The terms “implicit” and “explicit” are two adjective words. Both the spellings are almost the same except, the first two alphabets. The terms “implicit” and “explicit” have exactly the opposite meanings from each other and they are antonyms. People often get confused with the meanings of the terms because of their similar sounds. One can remember the terms by remembering the first two alphabets of the terms. The terms implicit and explicit are used in many different contexts, such as in poetry, academic writing, programming, economics, mathematics, etc but the meaning and definitions remain the same.
Implicit VS Explicit
The main difference between implicit and explicit is that the terms have different sets of meaning or definition, i.e the term implicit refers to something that is understood but, not clearly expressed which leads to confusion. Whereas, the term explicit refers to something that is clearly expressed, directed and implied and hence, not confusing. People often get confused about these two words as they sound similar. One should know when and where to use these words. They almost have the same spelling except for the first two alphabets i.e the word implicit starts with “Im” which means “in”, hence it can be remembered as within themselves. Whereas, the word explicit starts with “Ex” which means “out”, and hence, it can be remembered as someone who is precise and clear.
The term Implicit is an adjective word that is used in many different contexts with different meanings and motives. The term implicit is often used to describe something, which is understood but not clearly described or expressed, leading to doubt and confusion. It gives us an indirect meaning which is confusing. These sentences confuse the reader as they only give us the secondary meaning.
On the other hand, the term Explicit is also an adjective word. The term is often used to describe something which is clearly described and understood and hence, it’s clear and not confusing. The explicit sentences are clear sentences that mean it has a clear and precise meaning, so there is no room for confusion. These sentences do not confuse the reader. These sentences do not confuse the reader as they only give us the primary meaning.
Comparison Table Between Implicit and Explicit
| Parameters of Comparison | Implicit | Explicit |
| Definition | the term “implicit” refers to something which is understood but not clearly expressed and hence, leads to confusion | the term “explicit” refers to something which is clearly understood and expressed without any confusion |
| Attitude of Sentences | the implicit sentences are clearly understood, but not expressed properly, hence confusing sentences | the explicit sentences are clearly expressed and understood and hence, not confusing |
| Sentence Type | implied sentences | clear sentences |
| Primary or Secondary Meaning | Show-cases secondary meaning of sentences | Show-cases the primary meaning of sentences |
| Example | Suzy yelled “ouch” after drinking from the bowl. | Suzy burned her mouth on a hot bowl of soup. |
What is Implicit?
The term Implicit refers to something which is not clearly expressed or described but, can be understood. The attitude of implicit sentences is automatic, below conscious awareness and involuntarily activated. Implicit sentences are generally indirect sentences where the direct meaning is not stated and hence it is puzzling. Generally, these kinds of sentences are seen in novels, short stories, or even movies. The term implicit is used in many contexts like in terms of cost, computer programming, conversion, casting, etc. When a person uses an implicit sentence it’s clear and there is no confusion.
The readers do require to infer as the words or texts are not exact. The reader requires to understand the depth of the statement to get the meaning. The sentences need to be implied as the word itself means ‘implicit’ which means some external thinking is required.
What is Explicit?
The term Explicit refers to something which is clearly expressed, directed, and implied with clear wordings and clearly understood. There is no space for any sort of confusion. The attitude of explicit sentences is deliberate, conscious, and voluntarily accessible. The explicit sentences are clear sentences that mean the writing of the sentences is precise which is not difficult to acknowledge. These sentences are clear with their meaning and get straight to their point.
The readers do not require to infer as the words or texts are exact. The direct intentions or motive is clearly expressed through the statements.
Main Difference Between Implicit and Explicit
.1. The term Implicit refers to something which is understood, but not clearly expressed or described which leads to confusion. Whereas, the term Explicit refers to something which is clearly expressed, directed, and implied, and clearly understood by a person without any confusion.
2. The attitude of the implicit sentences is clearly understood and expressed but, confusing. Whereas, the attitude of explicit sentences is clearly understood but not clearly expressed and hence, not confusing.
3. The implicit sentences are implied sentences that mean it’s understood but not clearly and expressed which arises confusion. Whereas, the explicit sentences are clear sentences that are easy to understand and expressed properly, hence no confusion.
4. The implicit sentences give us the secondary meaning of the conclusion of the sentence. Whereas, the explicit sentences give us the primary and actual meaning of the conclusion of the sentence.
5. Example of the implicit sentence- Suzy yelled “ouch” after drinking from the bowl. Whereas, an example of the explicit sentence- Suzy burned her mouth on a hot bowl of soup.
Conclusion
The terms “Implicit” and “Explicit” are two adjective words. The terms “Implicit” and “Explicit” have exactly the opposite meanings from each other and they are antonyms. Implicit sentences are implied sentences where the direct motives or direct meanings are absent, these sentences are indirectly portrayed. It is difficult to understand at the first sight. These sentences give the primary meaning and confuse the reader. Whereas, explicit sentences are the opposite. These kinds of sentences portray the direct meaning. The main focus is given to a specific area. Since these are direct sentences, they give us the primary meaning and do not confuse the reader to understand.
References
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioral-and-brain-sciences/article/theory-of-implicit-and-explicit-knowledge/F83108BA5175CFD755D9D315961F643B
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=xmLoVScagwYC&oi=fnd&pg=PA313&dq=Implicit+and+Explicit&ots=jmCFSjdZp0&sig=mW7932lTGoQWrLBxw0MZbNUS-zg