Implicit vs. Explicit: Understanding Confusing Terms • 7ESL

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A simple change in the prefix is usually enough to give the word a different meaning or even turn it into its antonym. This is why words such as implicit vs. explicit are very tricky and cause many problems to all the speakers of English. It often happens that these words are misused, and this leads to a lot of confusion. However, after you read this, you’ll feel a lot more confident when it comes to deciding which is the correct word, implicit or explicit.

The Distinction between Implicit and Explicit

Implicit vs. Explicit: Key Takeaways

Explicit communication is clear and direct, leaving no room for hidden meanings.
Implicit communication contains suggested or inferred meaning beyond the words used.

Implicit vs. Explicit: Defining the Terms

What Is Implicit?

Implicit, in its essence, refers to something hinted at or suggested without being directly stated. When we talk about implicit elements, we’re pointing out aspects that are understood through inference. For instance, an implicit instruction may not spell out the steps, but we infer them based on context or prior knowledge.

Example: An implicit agreement might not be documented, but it is acted upon by the parties involved as if it were.

What Is Explicit?

Contrastingly, explicit indicates that something is expressed clearly, leaving no room for confusion due to vagueness or ambiguity. In cases where we refer to explicit content, detailed and straightforward information is presented.

Example: An explicit instruction will clearly guide us through each necessary action, step by step.

When to Use Implicit vs. Explicit

Let’s look at a few examples to make everything more clear. Imagine that Michael is going to the cinema with his friends. Before he leaves home, his mother might tell him that dinner will be served at eight, meaning that she wants him to be home by then. She doesn’t say. “I want you to be home by eight” directly but she implies this information. Therefore, what she’s saying can be described as implicit.

In contrast, if she were to tell Michael, “Be home by eight”, this would be explicit. In this case, she’d say exactly what she’d want her son to understand.

In a different example, let’s say that there is a new law that raises certain tax rates while leaving the same as they were. This law probably states directly which tax rates are affected and to which extent, so it is being explicit.

Finally, you can find many examples of implicit statements in fiction. Writers rarely simply write that, for instance, one character loves the other. Instead, they might say that the first character immediately starts smiling whenever the second one enters the room. Even though love isn’t mentioned directly, the readers can easily understand that this is exactly what the writer wants to tell them.

Context	Explicit Example	Implicit Example
Legal Documents	The lease explicitly forbids subletting.	The lease mentions occupancy terms.
Instructions	Attach the cover sheet to the TPS report.	Don’t forget about the cover sheet for your report.
Suggesting	Please turn off the lights when you leave.	It’s important to be mindful of electricity usage.
Literature	She was overwhelmed with grief after the loss.	The days grew longer, and so did her shadow.

Tips to Remember the Differences

Now that you know the definitions of implicit vs. explicit, how do you remember the difference? There’s a trick that might help you. Implicit information is given indirectly, and these two words both start with an i. When it comes to something explicit, you can also say that this is spelled out. Both explicit and spelled out have the letter e in them. If you remember this, you’ll never get confused with these words again.

Implicit vs. Explicit Examples

Implicit Examples

The implicit meaning in her words suggested she was not as content as she claimed.
There was an implicit trust between the long-time friends that did not need to be spoken.
The implicit agreement was that he would take care of the finances while she managed the household.
His implicit refusal came in the form of a polite but firm change of subject.
The implicit bias in the article became clear through the choice of language.
The implicit understanding among team members contributed to their project’s success.
She gave him an implicit warning with her stern look, signaling him to remain silent.

Explicit Examples

The contract contained an explicit clause regarding confidentiality.
The teacher gave explicit instructions on how to complete the assignment.
The film was rated R for explicit content and strong language.
He made an explicit promise to return the borrowed item by Tuesday.
The manual provided explicit directions for the assembly of the furniture.
The company’s policy on workplace harassment was explicit in prohibiting such behavior.
The author’s explicit description left little to the imagination.

Implicit vs. Explicit: Practice and Exercises

Worksheet: Understanding Implicit vs. Explicit

Instructions: Read each example in the table below and decide whether it is an example of implicit information or explicit information. Place a tick (✓) in the corresponding column for your answer.

Example	Implicit	Explicit
The sky is blue.
She rolled her eyes and sighed in frustration, but didn’t say a word.
Please exit the building through the emergency doors immediately.
He left the room quickly, not wanting to be part of the argument.
The instructions for assembling the furniture are in the manual.
Despite not mentioning her discomfort, she shifted in her seat constantly.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
His smile didn’t reach his eyes, suggesting he wasn’t truly happy.
The train departs at 6 PM sharp from platform 9.
The tension in the room was palpable, though no one had said anything.

Answers:

Explicit – The statement clearly states a fact about the color of the sky, leaving no room for interpretation.
Implicit – The statement suggests frustration through the action of rolling eyes and sighing, but it is not directly stated that she is frustrated.
Explicit – The instruction is directly stated, telling people exactly what to do in an emergency.
Implicit – The reason for him leaving the room quickly is not directly stated, but it is implied that he wants to avoid the argument.
Explicit – The statement directly informs you where to find the instructions for assembling the furniture.
Implicit – The discomfort is not directly stated but is implied through the action of shifting in her seat.
Explicit – This is a direct statement of a scientific fact, with no implication needed.
Implicit – The true feelings of the person are implied through the description of the smile, but not directly stated.
Explicit – The departure time and location of the train are clearly and directly provided.
Implicit – The tension is something that is felt or sensed, not directly stated or articulated by anyone in the room.

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Liam Daniel

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