What does explicitly mean?
"Explicitly" is an adverb describing something said or done in a clear, direct, and unmistakable manner, leaving no room for interpretation or doubt. When a rule explicitly forbids an action, the prohibition is spelled out in plain terms rather than merely hinted at; when someone explicitly agrees to a proposal, they do so openly rather than by silent assent. The word derives from the Latin explicare, meaning "to unfold," and carries connotations of transparency and precision. It appears most often in formal, legal, technical, and academic writing, where distinguishing between what is stated outright and what is merely implied matters greatly. Its natural counterpart is "implicitly," which describes what is conveyed indirectly. Common pairings include "explicitly state", "explicitly forbid", and "explicitly mention". Because it emphasizes directness and accountability, "explicitly" is a valuable word whenever clarity about intent, permission, or obligation is essential, making it indispensable in contracts, policies, and everyday instructions alike.
adverbIn a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. Also used to emphasize that something is stated openly and directly rather than implied.
- In a clear, direct, and unambiguous manner; expressly stated.
- In a way that leaves no doubt as to meaning or intention.
"The contract explicitly forbids the sharing of confidential information with third parties."
"The instructions explicitly warned users not to disassemble the device."
"She explicitly declined the invitation, leaving no room for misinterpretation."
From Latin explicare, 'to unfold' — when you say something explicitly, you're literally unfolding it so nothing stays folded away in implication.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of explicitly
"Explicitly" traces back through Middle French to the Latin verb explicare, meaning "to unfold, untangle, or explain." The related adjective "explicit" entered English in the early 17th century from Latin explicitus, meaning "unfolded or set forth clearly," and the adverb followed shortly thereafter. The Latin root also gave rise to "explicate" and connects to the broader Indo-European root *plek-, meaning "to plait or fold," which also produced words like "implicate" and "ply."
Related word forms
How explicitly is actually used
Neutral register, common in formal, legal, academic, and technical contexts. Often used to strengthen a negative ('not explicitly forbidden') or to stress that consent, permission, or instruction was given directly rather than assumed. Frequently paired with verbs of communication such as 'state', 'say', 'forbid', 'permit', and 'mention'.
Easily confused with explicitly
'Explicitly' means stated clearly and directly, while 'implicitly' means suggested or understood without being directly expressed — they are near-opposites despite their similar sound.