Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Explicit
‖
Ex′pli-cit
.[LL., an abbreviation of ]
explicitus
(est liber) the book (which anciently was a roll of parchment) is unfolded (and, of course, “finished”). See Explicit
, Adj.
A word formerly used (as finis is now) at the conclusion of a book to indicate the end.
Ex-plic′it
,Adj.
1.
Not implied merely, or conveyed by implication; distinctly stated; plain in language; open to the understanding; clear; not obscure or ambiguous; express; unequivocal;
as, an
. Opposite of explicit
declarationimplicit
. The language of the charter was too
explicit
to admit of a doubt. Bancroft.
2.
Having no disguised meaning or reservation; unreserved; outspoken; – applied to persons;
as, he was earnest and
. explicit
in his statement
Syn. – Express; clear; plain; open; unreserved; unambiguous.
–
Explicit
, Express
. Explicit denotes a setting forth in the plainest language, so that the meaning can not be misunderstood; as, an explicit promise. Express is stronger than explicit: it adds force to clearness. An express promise or engagement is not only unambiguous, but stands out in bold relief, with the most binding hold on the conscience. An explicit statement; a clear and explicit notion; explicit direction; no words can be more explicit. An explicit command; an express prohibition. “An express declaration goes forcibly and directly to the point. An explicit declaration leaves nothing ambiguous.” C. J. Smith.
Webster 1828 Edition
Explicit
EXPLIC'IT
,Adj.
1.
Literally, unfolded. Hence, plain in language; open to the understanding; clear, not obscure or ambiguous; express, not merely implied. An explicit proposition or declaration is that in which the words, in their common acceptation, express the true meaning of the person who utters them, and in which there is no ambiguity or disguise.2.
Plain; open; clear; unreserved; having no disguised meaning or reservation; applied to persons. He was explicit in his terms.Definition 2024
explicit
explicit
See also: explícit
English
Adjective
explicit (comparative more explicit, superlative most explicit)
- Very specific, clear, or detailed.
- I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.
- (euphemistic) Containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic.
- The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.
- (obsolete) Used at the conclusion of a book to indicate the end.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- (very specific, clear): implicit, unexplicit, vague
- (containing offensive material): circumspect
Derived terms
Terms derived from explicit
Related terms
Terms etymologically related to explicit
Translations
very specific
|
|
containing material that might be deemed offensive
External links
- explicit in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- explicit in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911