explicitly

Everyday

1. In a clear and direct way, saying exactly what you mean so there is no doubt, as in «She explicitly told us not to touch it». tree →
2. Openly showing or describing adult content. tree →

In the lessons

In school and rules, a thing «explicitly» forbidden is clearly written or spoken, so «I didn't know» is no excuse. In reading comprehension, questions ask whether something is «explicitly stated» in the text or only suggested (implied). In maths, «explicitly» show your working means write every step.

Examples

• Mum explicitly said no sweets before dinner. tree →
• The rules explicitly ban phones in exams. tree →
• The text explicitly states that the boy was scared. tree →
• Please explain explicitly how you got your answer. tree →
• He never explicitly said yes, but he smiled. tree →
• The sign explicitly said «No swimming». tree →

Note

Adverb of «explicit». Opposite: «implicitly». Reading-test tip: «explicit» information is written in the text; «implicit» information you must infer.

In Jewish tradition

In school and rules, a thing «explicitly» forbidden is clearly written or spoken, so «I didn't know» is no excuse. In reading comprehension, questions ask whether something is «explicitly stated» in the text or only suggested (implied). In maths, «explicitly» show your working means write every step.

Note

Adverb of «explicit». Opposite: «implicitly». Reading-test tip: «explicit» information is written in the text; «implicit» information you must infer.