explicitly

[ ik-splis-it-lee ]

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.

Other Words From

• o·ver·ex·plic·it·ly adverb
• qua·si-ex·plic·it·ly adverb
• su·per·ex·plic·it·ly adverb
• un·ex·plic·it·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of explicitly¹

explicit ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The mere threat of that — of publicly and explicitly neutering the Senate — could be enough for the GOP caucus to get in line.

From Salon

Although it notes that LGBTQ+ students already are explicitly protected by the school district’s nondiscrimination policies, the resolution would extend such protections to family members of students as well as to employees and their families.

From Los Angeles Times

"The defendant then monitored the analytics - i.e. audience engagement - and explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case," prosecutors said.

From BBC

Flynn revealed he called her the night before he announced his plan to stand but explicitly denied asking Nicoll to stand aside for him.

From BBC

FDA has broad statutory authority to ensure food safety, but the center, created in the early 1980s, is not explicitly protected by statute, and could in principle be dismantled by executive action.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

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