English · Word Candidate

explicit

/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: explicits

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Very specific, clear, or detailed.

Adjective

I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic through clear and direct expressions.

Adjective

The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The final few words of a text.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “explicit” mean?

Very specific, clear, or detailed.

Is “explicit” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.