inexplicit

American  

[in-ik-splis-it] / ˌɪn ɪkˈsplɪs ɪt /

adjective

1. not explicit or clear; not clearly stated.

---

inexplicit British  

/ ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪsɪt /

adjective

1. not explicit, clear, or precise; vague

---

Other Word Forms

• inexplicitly adverb
• inexplicitness noun

Etymology

Origin of inexplicit

First recorded in 1795–1805, inexplicit is from the Latin word inexplicitus not straightforward. See in- ³, explicit

Explanation

If something's inexplicit, it's not clearly stated — it's vague or ambiguous. If a book's themes and plot are inexplicit, many of its readers will miss them completely and end up confused. An explicit explanation is clear as day, its details leaving no room for misunderstanding. When things, conversely, are inexplicit, they aren't clear or definite. After making an inexplicit agreement, people may have different ideas of what they've agreed to. This adjective adds the "not" prefix in- to explicit, from the Latin explicitus, "unobstructed," and its root explicare, "unfold, unravel, or explain."

Example Sentences

Wells called the old guard, the good liberals, the ones who speak in measured words and embrace reason, the "inexplicit men."

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2023

In fact, Berry was intentionally inexplicit about anything Cleveland will do next week.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2022

Its particular target at that particular church on that particular morning remains the gesture’s one inexplicit feature.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2021

A big part of Pawson's work, like the craning and hewing subdued and inexplicit, is social, and about the characters who inhabit it.

From The Guardian • Sep. 18, 2010

Now," quoth he, "very inexplicit all this, Tom.

From Tom Cringle's Log by Scott, Michael