thesis implicit or explicit

• Locating and Evaluating Thesis Statements

The following video offers a definition of thesis statements, and guidance for finding thesis statements as you read.

Pay attention to the difference between explicit thesis statements and implicit (or implied ) thesis statements .

(This video was made for a specific class, so it will make references to assignments that won’t apply to you. You can also stop watching at 6:00, since the video then proceeds to writing thesis statements, which is not our focus at the moment.)

• Video: Locating and Evaluating Thesis Statements. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Locating, Evaluating, & Writing Thesis Statements. Authored by : H Ortiz. Located at : https://youtu.be/8a0T_ySxda8 . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (available upon sign-in)

• Overview of Instructor Resources
• Quiz Survey

Reading: Types of Reading Material

• Introduction to Reading
• Outcome: Types of Reading Material
• Characteristics of Texts, Part 1
• Characteristics of Texts, Part 2
• Characteristics of Texts, Part 3
• Characteristics of Texts, Conclusion
• Self Check: Types of Writing

Reading: Reading Strategies

• Outcome: Reading Strategies
• The Rhetorical Situation
• Academic Reading Strategies
• Self Check: Reading Strategies

Reading: Specialized Reading Strategies

• Outcome: Specialized Reading Strategies
• Online Reading Comprehension
• How to Read Effectively in Math
• How to Read Effectively in the Social Sciences
• How to Read Effectively in the Sciences
• 5 Step Approach for Reading Charts and Graphs
• Self Check: Specialized Reading Strategies

Reading: Vocabulary

• Outcome: Vocabulary
• Strategies to Improve Your Vocabulary
• Using Context Clues
• The Relationship Between Reading and Vocabulary
• Self Check: Vocabulary

Reading: Thesis

• Outcome: Thesis
• The Organizational Statement
• Self Check: Thesis

Reading: Supporting Claims

• Outcome: Supporting Claims
• Types of Support
• Supporting Claims
• Self Check: Supporting Claims

Reading: Logic and Structure

• Outcome: Logic and Structure
• Rhetorical Modes
• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
• Diagramming and Evaluating Arguments
• Logical Fallacies
• Evaluating Appeals to Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
• Self Check: Logic and Structure

Reading: Summary Skills

• Outcome: Summary Skills
• How to Annotate
• Paraphrasing
• Quote Bombs
• Summary Writing
• Self Check: Summary Skills
• Conclusion to Reading

Writing Process: Topic Selection

• Introduction to Writing Process
• Outcome: Topic Selection
• Starting a Paper
• Choosing and Developing Topics
• Back to the Future of Topics
• Developing Your Topic
• Self Check: Topic Selection

Writing Process: Prewriting

• Outcome: Prewriting
• Prewriting Strategies for Diverse Learners
• Rhetorical Context
• Working Thesis Statements
• Self Check: Prewriting

Writing Process: Finding Evidence

• Outcome: Finding Evidence
• Using Personal Examples
• Performing Background Research
• Listening to Sources, Talking to Sources
• Self Check: Finding Evidence

Writing Process: Organizing

• Outcome: Organizing
• Moving Beyond the Five-Paragraph Theme
• Introduction to Argument
• The Three-Story Thesis
• Organically Structured Arguments
• Logic and Structure
• The Perfect Paragraph
• Introductions and Conclusions
• Self Check: Organizing

Writing Process: Drafting

• Outcome: Drafting
• From Outlining to Drafting
• Flash Drafts
• Self Check: Drafting

Writing Process: Revising

• Outcome: Revising
• Seeking Input from Others
• Responding to Input from Others
• The Art of Re-Seeing
• Higher Order Concerns
• Self Check: Revising

Writing Process: Proofreading

• Outcome: Proofreading
• Lower Order Concerns
• Proofreading Advice
• "Correctness" in Writing
• The Importance of Spelling
• Punctuation Concerns
• Self Check: Proofreading
• Conclusion to Writing Process

Research Process: Finding Sources

• Introduction to Research Process
• Outcome: Finding Sources
• The Research Process
• Finding Sources
• What are Scholarly Articles?
• Finding Scholarly Articles and Using Databases
• Database Searching
• Advanced Search Strategies
• Preliminary Research Strategies
• Reading and Using Scholarly Sources
• Self Check: Finding Sources

Research Process: Source Analysis

• Outcome: Source Analysis
• Evaluating Sources
• CRAAP Analysis
• Evaluating Websites
• Synthesizing Sources
• Self Check: Source Analysis

Research Process: Writing Ethically

• Outcome: Writing Ethically
• Academic Integrity
• Defining Plagiarism
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Using Sources in Your Writing
• Self Check: Writing Ethically

Research Process: MLA Documentation

• Introduction to MLA Documentation
• Outcome: MLA Documentation
• MLA Document Formatting
• MLA Works Cited
• Creating MLA Citations
• MLA In-Text Citations
• Self Check: MLA Documentation
• Conclusion to Research Process

Grammar: Nouns and Pronouns

• Introduction to Grammar
• Outcome: Nouns and Pronouns
• Pronoun Cases and Types
• Pronoun Antecedents
• Try It: Nouns and Pronouns
• Self Check: Nouns and Pronouns

Grammar: Verbs

• Outcome: Verbs
• Verb Tenses and Agreement
• Non-Finite Verbs
• Complex Verb Tenses
• Try It: Verbs
• Self Check: Verbs

Grammar: Other Parts of Speech

• Outcome: Other Parts of Speech
• Comparing Adjectives and Adverbs
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Conjunctions
• Prepositions
• Try It: Other Parts of Speech
• Self Check: Other Parts of Speech

Grammar: Punctuation

• Outcome: Punctuation
• End Punctuation
• Hyphens and Dashes
• Apostrophes and Quotation Marks
• Brackets, Parentheses, and Ellipses
• Semicolons and Colons
• Try It: Punctuation
• Self Check: Punctuation

Grammar: Sentence Structure

• Outcome: Sentence Structure
• Parts of a Sentence
• Common Sentence Structures
• Run-on Sentences
• Sentence Fragments
• Parallel Structure
• Try It: Sentence Structure
• Self Check: Sentence Structure

Grammar: Voice

• Outcome: Voice
• Active and Passive Voice
• Using the Passive Voice
• Conclusion to Grammar
• Try It: Voice
• Self Check: Voice

Success Skills

• Introduction to Success Skills
• Habits for Success
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Writing in College
• Computer-Based Writing
• Conclusion to Success Skills

Implicit vs. Explicit: Understanding the Key Differences

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: March 6, 2024

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When it comes to language, the difference between implicit and explicit can be subtle but significant. Understanding the distinction between these two concepts is crucial for effective communication.

In this article, we will explore the differences between implicit and explicit language in more detail. We will examine how these concepts are used in different contexts, and provide examples to help illustrate the distinctions between them. Whether you are a writer, a speaker, or someone who simply wants to communicate more effectively, understanding the difference between implicit and explicit language is an essential skill.

Implicit vs. Explicit

Table of Contents

Understanding Implicit vs. Explicit

Implicit: an in-depth look.

When something is implicit , it is not stated directly but is implied . This means that the meaning of the statement is not immediately clear and requires some interpretation to understand fully. Implicit statements often rely on context clues or the reader’s prior knowledge to understand the intended meaning.

One example of an implicit statement might be a speaker saying, “I’m not sure if I can make it to the party tonight.” While this statement may seem straightforward, it is actually implicit because the speaker is not directly stating whether or not they will attend the party. Instead, the listener must interpret the statement based on other contextual clues, such as the speaker’s tone of voice or previous conversations about the party.

It’s important to note that while implicit statements can be more difficult to understand, they can also be more nuanced and open to interpretation. For example, a writer might choose to use implicit language in a poem to convey a deeper meaning or emotion.

Explicit: An In-Depth Look

When we talk about something being explicit , we mean that it is expressed directly without anything being implied. Explicit is often used to describe something that is very clear and without vagueness or ambiguity.

Explicit language is straightforward and to the point. It leaves little room for interpretation, and the meaning is usually clear to everyone. This type of language is often used in legal documents, contracts, and other formal settings where clarity is essential.

For example, a contract might include explicit language to ensure that all parties understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. This language might include specific details about payment, delivery, and other important aspects of the deal.

In contrast, implicit language is more indirect and often relies on implication or assumption. It is not described clearly or directly, and the meaning is often left up to interpretation.

Key Differences: Implicit vs. Explicit

These two terms are often used to describe information that is either directly stated or implied. Explicit information is clear and straightforward, while implicit information requires some interpretation or inference to understand fully.

Here are some key differences between implicit and explicit:

For example, consider the following sentences:

• Implicit: “She sighed heavily as she looked out the window.”
• Explicit: “ She said, ‘I’m feeling sad today.'”

In the first sentence, the meaning behind the sigh is not directly stated but must be inferred based on the context. In the second sentence, the meaning is clear and unambiguous.

Another example of implicit vs. explicit can be seen in instructions. Implicit instructions may assume prior knowledge or require some interpretation, while explicit instructions are clear and leave no room for confusion. For instance:

• Implicit: “Add the spices until it tastes right.”
• Explicit: “Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of paprika .”

In the first instruction, the amount of spices is not specified, and the cook must use their judgment to determine when the dish is seasoned correctly. In the second instruction, the exact measurements are given, leaving no room for interpretation.

It’s important to note that implicit and explicit can also refer to attitudes, beliefs, and values. Implicit attitudes are those that are unconscious or automatic, while explicit attitudes are those that are consciously held and can be easily expressed. For example:

• Implicit: A person may hold unconscious biases against a certain group of people.
• Explicit: A person may consciously express acceptance and tolerance of all people, regardless of their background.

Another way to understand the difference between implicit and explicit statements is to compare them side by side. The table below provides examples of both types of statements:

As you can see from the examples above, explicit statements are clear and direct, while implicit statements require some interpretation to understand fully.

Applications and Examples of Implicit and Explicit

Implicit communication is often used when the meaning is not explicitly stated but is instead implied or hinted at. This can be useful in situations where the speaker wants to convey a message without being too direct. For example, if you are in a meeting and someone says, “We need to improve our sales figures,” the implicit message may be that you need to work harder to sell more products.

Another example of implicit communication is body language. When you cross your arms, it may imply that you are closed off or defensive. When you nod your head, it may imply agreement or understanding.

Explicit communication, on the other hand, is when the meaning is clearly stated and there is no room for interpretation. This type of communication is useful when there is a need for clarity and precision. For example, if you are giving instructions to someone, it is important to be explicit to ensure that they understand what you are asking them to do.

Another example of explicit communication is legal documents. These documents need to be explicit in order to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. For instance, a contract may explicitly state the terms and conditions of a business deal.

The Role of Implicit and Explicit in Communication

In communication, both implicit and explicit language play a crucial role in conveying meaning. Explicit language is direct and clear, leaving no room for interpretation or confusion. On the other hand, implicit language relies on context and inference, often leaving some degree of ambiguity or uncertainty.

Explicit language is particularly useful when conveying important information or instructions. For example, if you are giving directions to someone, it is important to be explicit to ensure they understand where they need to go. In contrast, implicit language can be useful when trying to convey a more subtle message or emotion. For instance, if you are trying to express empathy or sympathy, implicit language can help convey the appropriate tone and emotion.

Using a combination of both explicit and implicit language can help create a more nuanced and effective communication style. For example, in a business setting, explicit language can be used to convey important information and instructions, while implicit language can be used to convey tone and emotion in interpersonal communication.

It is important to note that the appropriate use of implicit and explicit language can vary depending on the context and audience. For example, in a cross-cultural setting, it may be necessary to rely more heavily on explicit language to ensure that there is no confusion or misunderstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of implicit information?

Implicit information is often conveyed indirectly and may require the reader to make inferences. Examples of implicit information include implied meanings, assumptions, and suggestions. For instance, if someone says, “I’m feeling a bit under the weather,” it implies that they are not feeling well without explicitly stating it.

How can implicit and explicit claims be identified in a text?

Explicit claims are statements that are directly stated and clear, while implicit claims are suggested or implied. To identify implicit and explicit claims in a text, you need to look for clues such as tone, context, and syntax. Explicit claims are often found in topic sentences, while implicit claims are often found in supporting details.

What is the meaning of an explicit statement?

An explicit statement is a message that is conveyed directly and leaves no room for interpretation. It is clear and straightforward, and the meaning is not subject to debate or confusion. For example, “The store is closed” is an explicit statement that leaves no room for interpretation.

What are the differences between implicit and explicit information?

Implicit information is suggested or implied, while explicit information is directly stated. Implicit information requires the reader to make inferences, while explicit information is clear and straightforward. Moreover, implicit information is often subject to interpretation, while explicit information is not.

Can you provide examples of implicit sentences?

Implicit sentences are often used in literature and poetry to create a sense of ambiguity and depth. Examples of implicit sentences include “The silence was deafening,” which implies that the absence of sound was overwhelming, and “She was a rose among thorns,” which suggests that the woman was unique and special in a difficult environment.

What is the significance of understanding the difference between implicit and explicit information?

Understanding the difference between implicit and explicit information is essential for effective communication and interpretation. It helps readers to identify the intended message and avoid misunderstandings. Moreover, it enables writers to convey their ideas clearly and effectively, creating a more engaging and persuasive message.

You might also like:

• Supersonic vs. Hypersonic
• Custodian vs. Janitor
• Autocracy vs. Oligarchy
• Sorcery vs. Witchcraft
• Frenum vs. Frenulum

Implicit information is often conveyed indirectly and may require the reader to make inferences. Examples of implicit information include implied meanings, assumptions, and suggestions. For instance, if someone says, \"I'm feeling a bit under the weather,\" it implies that they are not feeling well without explicitly stating it.

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An explicit statement is a message that is conveyed directly and leaves no room for interpretation. It is clear and straightforward, and the meaning is not subject to debate or confusion. For example, \"The store is closed\" is an explicit statement that leaves no room for interpretation.

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Implicit vs. Explicit: What’s the Difference?

Home » Implicit vs. Explicit: What’s the Difference?

There are many words in English that despite having very similar sounds have completely different meanings. This can lead to confusion and usage problems for native and non-native speakers alike, and the words implicit vs. explicit are no exception to this.

These two words have almost opposite meanings but are regularly confused because of their similar sound. Since they do have such different meanings, you want to be sure you’re using the right one. In this post, I want to go over the definitions of these words, explain their differences, and have you take a quiz on their meanings.

After reading this post, you won’t ever again ask yourself the question, “Is it explicit or implicit?”

When to Use Implicit

• There is a morality implicit in his writings.
• She implicitly said she likes white shoes by saying she likes all colors but tan.

In the first example, the writer may not have clearly or directly laid out a moral vision, but it is understood through the characters, their actions, and their experiences.

In the second example, the woman states that she likes all shoe colors but tan. While she doesn’t directly say she likes white shoes, she implicitly does because white is not tan.

When to Use Explicit

The definition of explicit is, “to fully and clearly express something, leaving nothing implied.” Something is explicit when it is cleared stated and spelled out and there is no room for confusion, as in the writing of a contract or statute. For example,

• The law was explicit in whose tax rates were to be raised.
• He said explicitly, you will not attend that concert.

In both of these examples, the word explicit is used to demonstrate something that has been clearly and unambiguously expressed or stated. There is no room for doubt because everything is clearly and directly communicated.

This is what separates these two words. Something is implicit when it is implied but not directly stated. Something is explicit when it is directly stated and leaves no room for uncertainty.

Quiz and Sentence Examples

• The speaker’s intentions were not made ______.
• The students found an ______ political statement in their teacher’s remarks.
• Let me be ______, I do not support this.
• We have not finalized the decision, but have an ______ agreement.

Display the answers below .

Tricks to Remember

Here is a handy trick to remember the difference between these words. Remember this and you won’t ever fall short when thinking, “Is it implicit or explicit?”

A good way to keep explicit vs implicit apart is to remember that I mplicit is an I mplied or I ndirect statement. Both of these start with the letter “I.”

E xplicit starts with an “E” and is Sp e ll e d Out, so there is no confusion.

Implicit and explicit have near opposite meanings, so it’s important to remember their difference.

Implicit is indirectly stated or implied.

Explicit is directly stated and spelled out. If you have any other questions about commonly misused English words, feel free to check out our other posts on affect/effect , principal/principle , and countless others.

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6.1: What is Argument?

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All people, including you, make arguments on a regular basis. When you make a claim and then support the claim with reasons, you are making an argument. Consider the following:

The two main models of argument desired in college courses as part of the training for academic or professional life are rhetorical argument and academic argument . If rhetoric is the study of the craft of writing and speaking, particularly writing or speaking designed to convince and persuade, the student studying rhetorical argument focuses on how to create an argument that convinces and persuades effectively. To that end, the student must understand how to think broadly about argument, the particular vocabulary of argument, and the logic of argument. The close sibling of rhetorical argument is academic argument, argument used to discuss and evaluate ideas, usually within a professional field of study, and to convince others of those ideas. In academic argument , interpretation and research play the central roles.

However, it would be incorrect to say that academic argument and rhetorical argument do not overlap. Indeed, they do, and often. A psychologist not only wishes to prove an important idea with research, but she will also wish to do so in the most effective way possible. A politician will want to make the most persuasive case for his side, but he should also be mindful of data that may support his points. Thus, throughout this chapter, when you see the term argument , it refers to a broad category including both rhetorical and academic argument .

Before moving to the specific parts and vocabulary of argument, it will be helpful to consider some further ideas about what argument is and what it is not.

Argument vs. Controversy or Fight

Consumers of written texts are often tempted to divide writing into two categories: argumentative and non-argumentative. According to this view, to be argumentative, writing must have the following qualities: It has to defend a position in a debate between two or more opposing sides, it must be on a controversial topic, and the goal of such writing must be to prove the correctness of one point of view over another.

A related definition of argument implies a confrontation, a clash of opinions and personalities, or just a plain verbal fight. It implies a winner and a loser, a right side and a wrong one. Because of this understanding of the word “argument,” many students think the only type of argument writing is the debate-like position paper, in which the author defends his or her point of view against other, usually opposing, points of view.

These two characteristics of argument—as controversial and as a fight—limit the definition because arguments come in different disguises, from hidden to subtle to commanding. It is useful to look at the term “argument” in a new way. What if we think of argument as an opportunity for conversation, for sharing with others our point of view on an issue, for showing others our perspective of the world? What if we think of argument as an opportunity to connect with the points of view of others rather than defeating those points of view?

One community that values argument as a type of communication and exchange is the community of scholars. They advance their arguments to share research and new ways of thinking about topics. Biologists, for example, do not gather data and write up analyses of the results because they wish to fight with other biologists, even if they disagree with the ideas of other biologists. They wish to share their discoveries and get feedback on their ideas. When historians put forth an argument, they do so often while building on the arguments of other historians who came before them. Literature scholars publish their interpretations of different works of literature to enhance understanding and share new views, not necessarily to have one interpretation replace all others. There may be debates within any field of study, but those debates can be healthy and constructive if they mean even more scholars come together to explore the ideas involved in those debates. Thus, be prepared for your college professors to have a much broader view of argument than a mere fight over a controversial topic or two.

Argument vs. Opinion

Argument is often confused with opinion. Indeed, arguments and opinions sound alike. Someone with an opinion asserts a claim that he thinks is true. Someone with an argument asserts a claim that she thinks is true. Although arguments and opinions do sound the same, there are key distinctions between them.

• Arguments have rules; opinions do not . In other words, to form an argument, you must consider whether the argument is reasonable. Is it worth making? Is it valid? Is it sound? Do all of its parts fit together logically? Opinions, on the other hand, have no rules, and anyone asserting an opinion need not think it through for it to count as one; however, it will not count as an argument.
• Arguments have support; opinions do not . If you make a claim and then stop, as if the claim itself were enough to demonstrate its truthfulness, you have asserted an opinion only. An argument must be supported, and the support of an argument has its own rules. The support must also be reasonable, relevant, and sufficient.

Argument vs. Thesis

Another point of confusion is the difference between an argument and an essay’s thesis . For college essays, there is no essential difference between an argument and a thesis; most professors use these terms interchangeably. An argument is a claim that you must then support. The main claim of an essay is the point of the essay and provides the purpose for the essay. Thus, the main claim of an essay is also the thesis. 

Consider this as well: Most formal essays center upon one main claim (the thesis) but then support that main claim with supporting evidence and arguments. The topic sentence of a body paragraph can be another type of argument, though a supporting one, and, hence, a narrower one. Try not to be confused when professors call both the thesis and topic sentences arguments. They are not wrong because arguments come in different forms; some claims are broad enough to be broken down into a number of supporting arguments. Many longer essays are structured by the smaller arguments that are a part of and support the main argument. Sometimes professors, when they say supporting points or supporting arguments, mean the reasons ( premises ) for the main claim ( conclusion ) you make in an essay. If a claim has a number of reasons, those reasons will form the support structure for the essay, and each reason will be the basis for the topic sentence of its body paragraph.

Argument vs. Fact

Arguments are also commonly mistaken for statements of fact. This comes about because often people privilege facts over opinions, even as they defend the right to have opinions. In other words, facts are “good,” and opinions are “bad,” or if not exactly bad, then fuzzy and thus easy to reject. However, remember the important distinction between an argument and an opinion stated above: While argument may sound like an opinion, the two are not the same. An opinion is an assertion, but it is left to stand alone with little to no reasoning or support. An argument is much stronger because it includes and demonstrates reasons and support for its claim.

As for mistaking a fact for an argument, keep this important distinction in mind: An argument must be arguable . In everyday life, arguable is often a synonym for doubtful. For an argument, though, arguable means that it is worth arguing, that it has a range of possible answers, angles, or perspectives: It is an answer, angle, or perspective with which a reasonable person might disagree. Facts, by virtue of being facts, are not arguable. Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In other words, the statement can be pronounced as definitively true or definitively false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a verifiably true statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data. When a fact is established, there is no other side, and there should be no disagreement.

The misunderstanding about facts (being inherently good) and argument (being inherently problematic because it is not a fact) leads to the mistaken belief that facts have no place in an argument. This could not be farther from the truth. First of all, most arguments are formed by analyzing facts. Second, facts provide one type of support for an argument. Thus, do not think of facts and arguments as enemies; rather, they work closely together.

Explicit vs. Implicit Arguments

Arguments can be both explicit and implicit. Explicit arguments contain prominent and definable thesis statements and multiple specific proofs to support them. This is common in academic writing from scholars of all fields. Implicit arguments , on the other hand, work by weaving together facts and narratives, logic and emotion, personal experiences and statistics. Unlike explicit arguments, implicit ones do not have a one-sentence thesis statement. Implicit arguments involve evidence of many different kinds to build and convey their point of view to their audience. Both types use rhetoric, logic, and support to create effective arguments.

Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Go on a hunt for an implicit argument in the essay, “ 37 Who Saw Murder Didn’t Call the Police ” ( https://tinyurl.com/yc35o25x ) by Martin Gansberg.

• Read the article, and take notes on it–either using a notebook or by annotating a printed copy of the text itself. Mark or write down all the important details you find.
• After you are finished reading, look over your notes or annotations. What do all the details add up to? Use the details you have read about to figure out what Gansberg’s implicit argument is in his essay. Write it in your own words.
• Discuss your results with a partner or a group. Did you come up with the same argument? Have everyone explain the reasoning for his or her results.

Contributors and Attributions

Adapted from  Let's Get Writing (Browning, DeVries, Boylan, Kurtz and Burton) . Sourced from  LibreTexts , licensed under  CC BY-NC-SA

An Explication on the Use of 'Explicit' and 'Implicit'

What to Know Explicit describes something that is very clear and without vagueness or ambiguity. Implicit often functions as the opposite, referring to something that is understood, but not described clearly or directly, and often using implication or assumption. To help remember, ex plicit things are ex plained, im plicit things are im plied.

Both words share the same Latin root, 'plicare,' meaning "to fold."

Explicit and implicit are distinct adjectives having explicitly different meanings that are occasionally confused with each other, as shown in these examples:

Truitt was sent home from the hospital on March 19 without knowing her test results. She had implicit instructions to stay at home for 14 days, regardless of the test results. — The Valley Times-News (Lanett, Alabama) , 31 Mar. 2020 I asked a few friends if they had ever watched the film, or if they had heard about the claims that the film made. Most of their immediate reactions were something along the lines of, "You're watching a vegan propaganda film and taking to heart the facts given without further research?" My response was no. First and foremost, that is an explicit assumption, and second, the reason I was even asking around was to get a broader perspective. — Upbeat (Lamar University) , 6 Dec. 2017 For founders like Neumann, the new money offered an opportunity—or an imperative—to double down on unproven and money-losing business models on the theory they would suddenly turn profitable once all competitors had been forced by their own losses to throw in the towel. "The explicit assumption is if you get enough growth, it doesn't matter how much you lose," [Roger] McNamee says. "That clearly was the way both WeWork and Uber have been run." — The Los Angeles Times , 25 Sept. 2019

'Explicit' Meaning

To be explicitly clear, explicit and implicit are different words and, in some contexts, they are truly true antonyms . Explicit denotes being very clear and complete without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity. When something is said to be explicit, there is no question as to what is being expressed or conveyed—nothing is implied or assumed.

The students were given explicit instructions on how to record their test answers. Changes to the property cannot be done without the landlord's explicit consent. The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted.

'Implicit' Meaning

Implicit , on the other hand, denotes that something is understood although not clearly or directly expressed or conveyed—there is implication, assumption, or question. It often precedes a preposition, usually in and less frequently from , with , or within .

The genre of the restaurant cookbook is both large and varied, but the common denominator that underlies the majority of its titles is the implicit promise that you, too, can reproduce a chef's work in the confines of your home kitchen. Most of the time, this promise is patently false. But there are a number of notable exceptions, signature dishes that really can be made by home cooks with a command of basic kitchen techniques, as well as access to both adequate time and fairly common pantry staples. — Rebecca Flint Marx, Eater , 18 June 2020 An idea that's implicit in “Taste the Nation” is that the more we know about the cultural history of our food, the more that leads to cultural openness. — Padma Lakshmi, quoted in The New York Times , 3 Aug. 2020 Implicit within the call for compassion is the need for collaboration—the recognition that the problems we face are too big to be solved alone. — Anne Kingston, Maclean's , 19 June 2019

Other Meanings of 'Explicit' and 'Implicit'

Explicit and implicit also have distinct meanings unconnected to their antonymy. Explicit is used to describe such things as writing, lyrics, photography, or film that express or depict openly offensive or vulgar nudity, violence, or sexuality, or it can indicate an act or behavior that is queasily graphic or leaves nothing to implication or the imagination (e.g., "scenes of explicit violence and drug use"). Another sense of implicit is "not affected by doubt," a meaning shared by words like absolute and complete , as in "implicit confidence," and, in a sense, explicit (which connotes clarity and openness).

Basketball officiating requires an explicit trust that the men or women in the striped shirts will make the right call every time. — Anthony Salamone, The Express-Times (Easton, Pennsylvania) , 3 Jan. 2019 "There is an implicit trust that each of my teammates share as we navigate a season during this pandemic, and I broke that trust. In Chicago, I made the mistake of violating the protocols but the biggest mistake of all was not immediately coming clean to my teammates. I owe them better. I now realize that by even exposing myself to just one person more than necessary, I am putting myself, my teammates, the guys I compete against, the umpires, the staff, the Indians organization as well as the Game that I love at risk." — Mike Clevinger, quoted in Sports Illustrated , 11 Aug. 2020

Implicit can also describe something that is inherent or inextricably connected with another but not immediately manifest—for example, bugs are "implicit" in new computer applications.

The implicit source of confusion with explicit and implicit is their shared Latin root, plicare , meaning "to fold," which gives them the same anglicized ending "-plicit." But one simply needs to look to their beginnings, their prefixes—respectively, ex- , meaning "out," and im- , "in, within"—to decipher their distinct meanings. Explicit can be interpreted as "to unfold" or "to lay out" (in other words, "to explain") and implicit can be translated as "to fold in," implying covering or containing (meaning) within.

True, the words have the same root and syllable count and are applied in similar contexts, but they are explicitly different in spelling and meaning. When in doubt, look to the prefixes: if you are describing something that is clearly ex plained or ex pressed, the word to use is explicit ; if you are describing something that is im plied, implicit is the word.

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“Explicit” vs. “Implicit”: What’s The Difference?

• Difference Between Explicit Vs. Implicit
• Implicit Vs. Explicit Memory
• Implicit Vs. Explicit Costs

The words explicit and implicit can be easily confused. They sound similar, have the same ending, and are both abstract. Adding on to that, both words have multiple meanings—sometimes they’re opposites, and sometimes they simply mean different things.

In this article, we’ll explain the different ways these two words are used, including which one means “implied” and which one means “expressed directly.” Don’t worry, we’ll be explicit in our explanation.

⚡ Quick summary

The main senses of explicit and implicit are opposites. Explicit describes something as being expressed directly without anything being implied. Implicit describes things in which a meaning is implied or hinted at rather than being expressed directly. Explicit and implicit also have other specific meanings that are not necessarily opposites.

What is the difference between explicit vs. implicit ?

The adjective explicit describes something that has been expressed directly. For example, saying We gave them explicit instructions means that the instructions were stated in detail. Something that’s described as explicit doesn’t leave anything up to interpretation.

In contrast, the adjective implicit describes something that has been implied —meaning it has been suggested or hinted at but not actually directly stated or expressed. For example, saying We had an implicit agreement means that the agreement was implied but never actually stated or written down.

These senses of explicit and implicit are direct opposites. Consider the difference between these two statements:

• Don’t press that button—it will give you an electric shock.
• I wouldn’t press that button if I were you.

Statement 1 is an explicit warning. The speaker is clearly and directly telling you not to press the button and what will happen if you do. Statement 2 is an implicit warning. The speaker isn’t outright telling you not to press the button, nor do they say what exactly will happen if you. Rather, they are insinuating —implying, hinting—that something bad will happen if you press the button.

Directly related to explicit is the verb explicate , which means the same thing as explain. On the other hand, implicit is related to the verb imply , meaning “to suggest something without saying it.”

How to tell the difference between similes and metaphors.

To remember the difference, remember that the ex- in explicit comes from the prefix meaning “out,” and the im- in implicit comes from the prefix meaning “in.” If something’s explicit , a person comes right out and says it; if something’s implicit , the true meaning is in someone’s head.

The words explicit and implicit also have other senses that are used in particular contexts. For example, the word explicit can mean that something has sexual or inappropriate content, as in explicit lyrics or This interview features explicit language .

The word implicit can also mean “unquestioning or unreserved,” which is how it’s used in phrases like implicit trust and implicit obedience . Sometimes, it means “inherent.” This is how it’s used in the phrase implicit bias , which refers to a prejudice that someone has without knowing it.

It can be easy to confuse implicit and explicit because they are often used in the same contexts, or even alongside each other. Let’s look at a few specific situations to see the difference.

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implicit vs. explicit memory

In psychology and the study of memory, the words implicit and explicit are used to describe two different kinds of memory. Explicit memory refers to information that takes effort to remember—the kind we need to think hard about to dig out of our memory bank. Implicit memory , on the other hand, refers to information we can recall very easily or even unconsciously.

For most people, things considered part of implicit memory include knowing how to tie your shoes, knowing how to read, or knowing where you live. Typically, you can remember these things without even having to think about them.

In contrast, examples of explicit memory include dates of historical events, times for scheduled appointments, and passwords. Most of the time, you need to actively think about these things (at least a little bit) in order to correctly recall them.

implicit vs. explicit costs

In finance and economics, implicit and explicit are used in the terms implicit costs and explicit costs .

Of the two, explicit costs are easier to understand. These are costs expressly documented as such by a company. Explicit costs include things like employee salaries, repairs, utility bills, debt payments, land purchases, and so on.

Implicit costs are less direct. These are the undocumented costs that a business experiences as the result of something happening. For example, a company might close a store for a day in order to clean it. While this closure may not cost the company money as it is recorded on a balance sheet, it does have an implicit cost : lost sales. As another example, a business may have a manager train a new employee. The company of course pays the explicit cost of the manager’s salary, but there is also the unrecorded implicit cost of time, productivity, and profit considered to be lost during the time taken away from the manager’s main job.

What do you know about the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

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Resources: Discussions and Assignments

Module 3 discussion: thesis statements and supporting claims assignment.

Select a reading from  The Conversation website . Use the categories at the top of the page or the search bar to find something that sounds interesting to you. Include the URL to the website in your post.

First, read through the article and get a feel for what it’s about. Write a sentence about the main message of the article. After writing this sentence, go back to the text. Is there a sentence in the text that says something very similar to what you wrote down? This is likely the thesis statement.

STEP 1 : Identify this reading’s thesis. Is it an explicit or implicit thesis? If it’s explicit, include the sentence from the text as a quote that you identify as the thesis. If it’s implicit, describe why you feel the author chose not to put an explicit thesis in the work. Describe your thoughts about it—is it a good thesis statement?

STEP 2 : Next, write a paragraph that describes how the thesis relates to the topic sentences of at least two of the paragraphs. Include 2 topic sentences as quotes, and explain each’s relationship to the thesis.

STEP 3 : Write a paragraph that identifies the type of support that each paragraph from the reading uses to reinforce each of those 2 topic sentences. Are they narrative or personal examples? Are they facts or statistics? Are they quotes or paraphrases from research materials? What makes them effective or ineffective?

STEP 4 : Respond in a separate post to at least one classmate (in at least 75 words). Explicitly address their examples and try to extend, complicate, or redirect their points in a substantive, knowledge-demonstrating way. Be sure to cite relevant concepts and key terms from the module.

• Assignment: Thesis. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution