explicit
Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
Examples
In a meeting
“The contract needs to be explicit about payment terms and deadlines.”
Over coffee
“I was explicit about my dietary restrictions when I made the reservation.”
Why this word
clear
Explicit means stated fully with nothing left to inference, while clear simply means easy to understand
direct
Explicit emphasizes complete specification leaving no ambiguity, while direct focuses on straightforward manner
obvious
Explicit means precisely and fully stated, while obvious refers to what is easily perceived or understood
Usage tip
The opposite of 'implicit'. Use 'explicit' when clarity is critical and assumptions are dangerous.
Etymology
Latin explicitus — ex (out) + plicare (to fold), literally 'unfolded', laid open
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.