When to Use Implicit

The definition of implicit is, “implied or understood though not plainly or directly
expressed.” Something is, therefore, implicit when it is not directly stated but is either
suggested in the wording or necessary to effectuate the purpose. For example,

 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.

Explicit

 If something is explicit it is in the text - there is evidence that you can point to - it can
be a fact or an opinion, but it is there in black and white.

For example: the text says "George did not like dogs and had never owned one."

The reader is perfectly clear about George's position on dogs. If the statement in the
question says "George was fond of dogs." - then this would go against what was
explicitly stated in the text and have to be EC.

Implicit

 If something is implied (or implicit) it is being suggested by the text.

For example: the text says "George moved away from the dog, he'd never owned one."
This doesn't say the words that George didn't like dogs, but it is the feeling that you get
when you read it. If the statement in the question said "George was fond of dogs." then
this would go against what was implied or suggested by the text and have to be IC.

Implicit used in sentences:

Although you never stated I could use your car, your permission was implicit when you
handed me your car keys.

When Jerry tried to sell a car he did not own, he broke an implicit law that is known by
most people but not frequently stated.

As a parent, Margie has the implicit right to govern her children as she sees fit as long
as she does not cause them harm.

The handshake between the two men was their implicit agreement to the terms of the
contract.

When John saw the sexy girl at the bar wink at him, he took the action as an implicit
invitation to join her for a drink.

Carolyn and her boyfriend have an implicit understanding that neither of them would see
other people while dating.

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 Implicit is an Implied

or Indirect statement. Both of these start with the letter “I.”
Explicit starts with an “E” and is Spelled Out, so there is no confusion.

Summary

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

Implicit is indirectly stated or implied. (open to interpretation, needs inference)

Explicit is directly stated and spelled out.