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explicitly
This term describes communication that is precise and unambiguous, leaving no space for interpretation or guesswork. It is frequently used in legal, technical, or formal contexts to emphasize that a rule or instruction was stated in plain words rather than being left to inference.
In interpersonal dynamics, the word carries a connotation of directness that can range from helpful clarity to bluntness. It serves as the direct antonym to implicitly, where meaning is suggested or understood without being openly stated.
Meanings
Examples
The manager explicitly forbade any overtime this week.
I explicitly asked for no onions on my burger.
The teacher explicitly explained the grading criteria before the exam.
We need to explicitly define the scope of the project in the proposal.
He did not explicitly say yes but he seemed to agree.
The manual explicitly warns against opening the back panel.
I thought it was implied but she explicitly told me to leave.
The law explicitly prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors.
Wait did he explicitly mention the deadline or was it just a hint?