Expliciet

Expliciet is a Dutch adjective meaning explicit: stated clearly and without ambiguity. It describes information, statements, instructions, or actions that are expressed directly and unambiguously, as opposed to impliciet (implicit), which is understood without being expressly stated. The term is common in legal, administrative, educational, and media language, where explicit wording helps prevent misinterpretation and uncertainty.

Origin and cognates: Expliciet derives from Latin explicitus, via Old French and early Dutch usage. It is cognate with the English word explicit and shares a similar sense of clarity and precision.

Usage and examples: In Dutch, you might speak of expliciete toestemming, expliciete instructies, or expliciete informatie. Example sentences: 'De expliciete toestemming moet schriftelijk worden gegeven.' 'De expliciete instructie laat geen ruimte voor interpretatie.'

Legal and privacy context: In Dutch public policy and data protection contexts, expliciet consent is preferred; some regulations require explicit consent for processing sensitive data. In general discourse, explicit statements are valued for reducing ambiguity and ensuring that all parties share a precise understanding of terms, conditions, or requirements.

Relation to implicit contrasts and related terms: Expliciet contrasts with impliciet (implicit) and with stilzwijgend (tacit). Related terms include duidelijk and helder, which convey notions of clarity, though they do not always carry the same formal precision as expliciet. In sum, expliciet denotes direct and unmistakable articulation in language and practice.