eksplícit

Eksplícit is a term used in several languages as a cognate of the English word explicit. It functions as an adjective meaning clearly stated or expressed, leaving little room for doubt, and it is often contrasted with implicit, which refers to meanings or terms that are suggested or inferred rather than directly stated. In fields such as linguistics, philosophy, law, and computer science, eksplícit terms or content are those presented directly and unambiguously.

Etymology and orthography: The word derives from Latin explicitus, from ex- “out” and plicare “to fold,” meaning unfolded or clearly exposed. In languages that use diacritics or specific stress marks, the form may appear as eksplícit, eksplisit, or explícito, depending on orthographic conventions, with the accent indicating syllable stress.

Usage: In linguistics and semantics, explicit content is the proposition stated outright; implicit content is inferred from context or background knowledge. In law or contracts, eksplícit provisions specify duties, rights, and remedies in precise terms. In programming, explicit constructs are those clearly written in code, as opposed to implicit behavior determined by language rules or defaults.

Related terms: explicit, implicit, explicature, explicandum, explicit memory.