Implicit vs Explicit
To effectively use the terms implicit and explicit in the English language, it is crucial to understand the difference between them. Both words serve different purposes, with implicit functioning as an adjective and explicit as an adjective and a noun. The origins of implicit and explicit date back to the late 16th century and early 17th century, respectively. Derivatives of the words include explicitly and explicitness for explicit, and implicitness for implicit. Once the meanings of these words are clear, it becomes easier to use them without confusion.
What does Implicit mean?
Implicit refers to implied meaning. For example, consider the sentence “A hamlet on the Thames.” The implicit meaning of the sentence is “A hamlet on the banks of the Thames.” Implicit meaning is the secondary meaning derived from the primary meaning expressed by a sentence. In this example, the primary word “on” sacrifices its original meaning and extends it further to give rise to the implicit meaning, “on the banks of.”
What does Explicit mean?
Explicit, on the other hand, pertains to expressed meaning. For example, in the sentence “A hamlet on the Thames,” the explicit meaning is “A village on Thames.”
What is the difference between Implicit and Explicit?
- Implicit refers to implied meaning, while explicit relates to expressed meaning.
- Implicit meaning is the secondary meaning derived from the primary meaning expressed by a sentence, whereas explicit meaning is what is directly said in a sentence.
- In implicit meaning, the primary word sacrifices its original meaning and extends it further to give rise to the implicit meaning. This differentiation sets implicit and explicit apart.
Both implicit and explicit meanings are significant in rhetoric and poetry, as poets often delve into these two types of meanings to a great extent.
