explicit

explicit — adjective

1. Stated or shown in a clear and detailed way that leaves no room for doubt or con

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Stated or shown in a clear and detailed way that leaves no room for doubt or confusion — for example, an explicit instruction that tells you exactly what materials to bring, or explicit permission that is given in plain words rather than implied.

例句

For the science project, the teacher gave explicit instructions with a list of required materials.

explicit + instructions for detailed clarity

João asked for explicit permission before using his roommate's laptop.

explicit permission — stated in words, not implied

同義詞
  • clear

    most general term; explicit adds the nuance of thoroughness and detail

  • precise

    focuses on exactness of detail rather than leaving no doubt

  • specific

    suggests reference to particular details rather than a general category

  • unambiguous

    more formal; stresses absolutely no chance of a second interpretation

反義詞
  • vague

    not clearly stated or expressed

  • ambiguous

    open to more than one interpretation

  • implicit

    suggested indirectly rather than stated plainly

文法句型

explicit + noun

be explicit about + noun

用法筆記

Frequently modifies nouns related to communication — instructions, terms, agreement, warning, permission. Common in legal, academic, and instructional contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The professor was explicit when talking about plant cells.
✅The professor gave a detailed explanation of plant cells.
💡'explicit' emphasizes leaving no doubt, not just being detailed; use it when clarity and lack of ambiguity are the main point.
❌She gave me an explicit no as an answer.
✅She gave me a clear no as an answer.
💡'explicit' is an adjective for the statement itself, not for the type of 'no'.

2. Connected with sexual acts or violent actions that are presented openly and with

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Connected with sexual acts or violent actions that are presented openly and without restraint — such as a film scene that shows nudity or a video game that displays graphic injury.

例句

The film was rated R because of its explicit scenes of violence.

explicit scenes of violence — domain: film rating

Parents complained about the explicit lyrics in several popular songs.

同義詞
  • graphic

    very close in meaning; graphic emphasizes vivid visual detail, while explicit emphasizes openness and lack of restraint

  • blunt

    direct and honest, sometimes harsh; broader in meaning and not confined to sex or violence

  • raw

    informal; suggests unedited, shocking frankness

反義詞
  • implicit

    suggested indirectly rather than stated

  • subtle

    delicate and not immediately obvious; opposite of openly graphic

文法句型

explicit + noun (scenes, lyrics, content, language)

用法筆記

Typically modifies nouns related to media and art — content, scenes, lyrics, language, material, descriptions. Often appears in content warnings, age ratings, and parental-control settings.

常見錯誤

❌She gave explicit instructions.' (misinterpreted as sexual)
✅She gave clear, detailed instructions.
💡In most contexts without mention of media or content, explicit means 'clear and precise,' not 'sexually graphic.'
❌The movie has a lot of explicit.
✅The movie has a lot of explicit content.
💡'explicit' is an adjective; it needs a noun to modify.