| / English Dictionary |
EXPLICIT
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
Example:
explicit sexual scenes
Synonyms:
explicit; expressed
Classified under:
Similar:
declared; stated (declared as fact; explicitly stated)
definitive; unequivocal (clearly defined or formulated)
express (not tacit or implied)
graphic (describing nudity or sexual activity in graphic detail)
hard-core; hardcore (extremely explicit)
Also:
definite (precise; explicit and clearly defined)
denotative; denotive (having the power of explicitly denoting or designating or naming)
unambiguous; unequivocal; univocal (admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion)
open; overt (open and observable; not secret or hidden)
Attribute:
explicitness (clarity as a consequence of being explicit)
Antonym:
implicit (implied though not directly expressed; inherent in the nature of something)
Derivation:
explicitness (clarity as a consequence of being explicit)
Sense 2
Meaning:
In accordance with fact or the primary meaning of a term
Synonyms:
denotative; explicit
Classified under:
Similar:
literal (limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text)
Derivation:
explicitness (clarity as a consequence of being explicit)
Context examples:
All the poor lady's papers were in order; explicit directions regarding the place of burial were given.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
With such news to communicate, and such a visit to prepare for, her departure was not to be delayed by anything in his nature to urge; and she hurried away, leaving him to the undivided consciousness of his own happy address, and her explicit encouragement.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
By the report which he hastened over to Kellynch to make, Admiral Croft was a native of Somersetshire, who having acquired a very handsome fortune, was wishing to settle in his own country, and had come down to Taunton in order to look at some advertised places in that immediate neighbourhood, which, however, had not suited him; that accidentally hearing—(it was just as he had foretold, Mr Shepherd observed, Sir Walter's concerns could not be kept a secret,)—accidentally hearing of the possibility of Kellynch Hall being to let, and understanding his (Mr Shepherd's) connection with the owner, he had introduced himself to him in order to make particular inquiries, and had, in the course of a pretty long conference, expressed as strong an inclination for the place as a man who knew it only by description could feel; and given Mr Shepherd, in his explicit account of himself, every proof of his being a most responsible, eligible tenant.
(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)
But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour as this, ever induce me to be explicit.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Having once explained to them that I could not now be explicit about my plans, they kindly and wisely acquiesced in the silence with which I pursued them, according to me the privilege of free action I should under similar circumstances have accorded them.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
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