Explicit: stated clearly and directly
Explicit means expressed clearly rather than left for someone to infer. It comes from Latin explicitus, meaning unfolded or explained. An explicit instruction says to submit the form by 5 p.m. on Thursday; a request to send it soon leaves the deadline for the reader to work out.
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Put the requirement into words
Explicit is an adjective for something stated clearly and directly. It comes from Latin explicitus, connected with explicare, meaning to unfold or explain.
An explicit instruction includes the requirement itself. If an invitation says that guests must bring identification, the requirement is explicit. If identification is never mentioned, guests cannot be expected to find that requirement in the wording.
- Explicit permission is clearly expressed permission.
- An explicit deadline names the required time.
The word does not guarantee that a statement is correct, reasonable or polite. It describes how directly the meaning is expressed. In general writing, phrases such as explicit instructions and explicit agreement help make this sense clear.