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explicit - 6 dictionary results

ex⋅plic⋅it

  [ik-splis-it]
Use explicit in a Sentence
–adjective
1. fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied; unequivocal: explicit instructions; an explicit act of violence; explicit language.
2. clearly developed or formulated: explicit knowledge; explicit belief.
3. definite and unreserved in expression; outspoken: He was quite explicit as to what he expected us to do for him.
4. described or shown in realistic detail: explicit sexual scenes.
5. having sexual acts or nudity clearly depicted: explicit movies; explicit books.
6. Mathematics. (of a function) having the dependent variable expressed directly in terms of the independent variables, as y = 3x + 4. Compare implicit (def. 4).
Origin:
1605–15; < L explicitus unfolded, set forth, var. ptp. of explicāre. See explicate

Related forms:
ex⋅plic⋅it⋅ly, adverb
ex⋅plic⋅it⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. express, definite, precise, exact, unambiguous. 3. open, forthright, unabashed.

Antonyms:
1. indefinite, ambiguous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To explicit
ex·plic·it   (ĭk-splĭs'ĭt)   
adj.  
    1. Fully and clearly expressed; leaving nothing implied.
    2. Fully and clearly defined or formulated: "generalizations that are powerful, precise, and explicit" (Frederick Turner).
    3. Readily observable: an explicit sign of trouble.
    4. Describing or portraying nudity or sexual activity in graphic detail.
  2. Forthright and unreserved in expression: They were explicit in their criticism.
    1. Readily observable: an explicit sign of trouble.
    2. Describing or portraying nudity or sexual activity in graphic detail.

[Latin explicitus, past participle of explicāre, to unfold; see explicate.]
ex·plic'it·ly adv., ex·plic'it·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean entirely clear and unambiguous: explicit statements; a categorical refusal; a definite answer; my express wishes; a specific purpose.
Antonym: ambiguous
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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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, a.] A word formerly used (as finis is now) at the conclusion of a book to indicate the end.

Explicit

Ex*plic"it\, a. [L. explicitus; p. p. of explicare to unfold: cf. F. explicite. See Explicate, Exploit.]

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 explicit declaration.

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.

Explicit function. (Math.) See under Function.

Syn: Express; clear; plain; open; unreserved; unambiguous.

Usage: 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's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : explicit
Spanish: explícito,
German: deutlich, endeutig,
Japanese: はっきりした
More Translations »

explicit 
1609, from Fr. explicite, from L. explicitus, variant pp. of explicare "unfold, unravel, explain," from ex- "out" + plicare "to fold" see ply (v.)). "Explicitus" was written at the end of medieval books, originally short for explicitus est liber "the book is unrolled." As a euphemism for "pornographic" it dates from 1971.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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explicit

in bookmaking, a device added to the end of some manuscripts and incunabula by the author or scribe and providing such information as the title of the work and the name or initials of its author or scribe. Explicits were soon incorporated into or completely replaced by the colophon, which included information about the printer, printing materials, and typeface, and, often, the printer's emblem

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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