Understood though not clearly expressed; implied without being stated directly
Examples:
The contract contained an implicit understanding of terms.Her trust in him was implicit, requiring no explanations.The artist's message was implicit within the vibrant colors.
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Antonyms:
Explicit
/ɪkˈsplɪsət/
Something that is stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt
Examples:
"Can not you be a little more explicit?"He must be explicit to the utmost of his powers.The guidebook provides explicit steps for tourists.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
Implicit means something is suggested or understood without being directly stated.
Explicit means something is stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
Implicit is like reading between the lines, while explicit is reading the lines themselves.
When something is implicit, there is a level of assumption involved; with explicit, there is complete clarity.
Think of implicit as a whisper and explicit as shouting out loud.