explicitly

American  

[ik-splis-it-lee] / ɪkˈsplɪs ɪt li /

adverb

1. in a way that is clearly expressed, demonstrated, or formulated.

   There are a couple of important points that I wish had been made more clearly and explicitly.

   We should also explicitly advocate for ourselves when it comes to promotions or raises.

2. in a way that is direct or precise; specifically.

   Women and underrepresented minorities are explicitly invited to apply.

3. in a graphic or detailed way; not leaving anything to the imagination.

   The art to be displayed cannot include explicitly sexual scenes, nudity, or salacious or revealing imagery.

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Other Word Forms

• overexplicitly
  adverb
• quasi-explicitly
  adverb
• superexplicitly
  adverb
• unexplicitly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of explicitly

explicit ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

When you explain something explicitly, you do it in great detail, leaving no room for misunderstanding. You could intimidate your little brother by explicitly describing what you'll do if he reads your diary. Something that's said or done explicitly is clear and direct, like an explicitly told story about terrible poverty in India — it leaves out no disturbing details, even if it upsets the listener. Explicitly can also refer to sexual situations or details, like a movie whose sex scenes are shown explicitly, or graphically. The Latin root is explicare, "unfold, unravel, explain."

Example Sentences

Explicitly acknowledging that these dinners are a financial stretch for them can feel like you’re shaming them.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

Explicitly insuring all deposits, Mr. Hockett says, could prevent a run on a troubled bank, because customers would know ahead of time that their money was safe.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2023

Explicitly set during the worst months of the Covid pandemic — the spring of 2020 — “Glass Onion” leans into recent history without succumbing to gloom, bitterness or howling rage, which is no small accomplishment.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2022

Explicitly show how you follow the steps in the Problem-Solving Strategy for lenses.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Explicitly he does not answer his question: his art has gone, at least for the moment, beyond avowed argument, merely marshaling the evidence with ironic skill and dispensing with the chorus.

From Contemporary American Novelists (1900-1920) by Doren, Carl Van

Related Words

• absolutely
• altogether
• carefully
• completely
• correctly
• definitely
• indeed
• literally
• precisely
• quite
• specifically
• strictly
• totally
• truly