implicit meaning essay

Implicit vs. Explicit: What’s the Difference?

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There are many words in English that despite having very similar sounds have completely different meanings. This can lead to confusion and usage problems for native and non-native speakers alike, and the words implicit vs. explicit are no exception to this.

These two words have almost opposite meanings but are regularly confused because of their similar sound. Since they do have such different meanings, you want to be sure you’re using the right one. In this post, I want to go over the definitions of these words, explain their differences, and have you take a quiz on their meanings.

After reading this post, you won’t ever again ask yourself the question, “Is it explicit or implicit?”

When to Use Implicit

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.

Quiz and Sentence Examples

The speaker’s intentions were not made ______.
The students found an ______ political statement in their teacher’s remarks.
Let me be ______, I do not support this.
We have not finalized the decision, but have an ______ agreement.

Display the answers below .

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 I mplicit is an I mplied or I ndirect statement. Both of these start with the letter “I.”

E xplicit starts with an “E” and is Sp e ll e d Out, so there is no confusion.

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

Implicit is indirectly stated or implied.

Explicit is directly stated and spelled out. If you have any other questions about commonly misused English words, feel free to check out our other posts on affect/effect , principal/principle , and countless others.

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An Explication on the Use of 'Explicit' and 'Implicit'

What to Know Explicit describes something that is very clear and without vagueness or ambiguity. Implicit often functions as the opposite, referring to something that is understood, but not described clearly or directly, and often using implication or assumption. To help remember, ex plicit things are ex plained, im plicit things are im plied.

Both words share the same Latin root, 'plicare,' meaning "to fold."

Explicit and implicit are distinct adjectives having explicitly different meanings that are occasionally confused with each other, as shown in these examples:

Truitt was sent home from the hospital on March 19 without knowing her test results. She had implicit instructions to stay at home for 14 days, regardless of the test results. — The Valley Times-News (Lanett, Alabama) , 31 Mar. 2020 I asked a few friends if they had ever watched the film, or if they had heard about the claims that the film made. Most of their immediate reactions were something along the lines of, "You're watching a vegan propaganda film and taking to heart the facts given without further research?" My response was no. First and foremost, that is an explicit assumption, and second, the reason I was even asking around was to get a broader perspective. — Upbeat (Lamar University) , 6 Dec. 2017 For founders like Neumann, the new money offered an opportunity—or an imperative—to double down on unproven and money-losing business models on the theory they would suddenly turn profitable once all competitors had been forced by their own losses to throw in the towel. "The explicit assumption is if you get enough growth, it doesn't matter how much you lose," [Roger] McNamee says. "That clearly was the way both WeWork and Uber have been run." — The Los Angeles Times , 25 Sept. 2019

'Explicit' Meaning

To be explicitly clear, explicit and implicit are different words and, in some contexts, they are truly true antonyms . Explicit denotes being very clear and complete without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity. When something is said to be explicit, there is no question as to what is being expressed or conveyed—nothing is implied or assumed.

The students were given explicit instructions on how to record their test answers. Changes to the property cannot be done without the landlord's explicit consent. The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted.

'Implicit' Meaning

Implicit , on the other hand, denotes that something is understood although not clearly or directly expressed or conveyed—there is implication, assumption, or question. It often precedes a preposition, usually in and less frequently from , with , or within .

The genre of the restaurant cookbook is both large and varied, but the common denominator that underlies the majority of its titles is the implicit promise that you, too, can reproduce a chef's work in the confines of your home kitchen. Most of the time, this promise is patently false. But there are a number of notable exceptions, signature dishes that really can be made by home cooks with a command of basic kitchen techniques, as well as access to both adequate time and fairly common pantry staples. — Rebecca Flint Marx, Eater , 18 June 2020 An idea that's implicit in “Taste the Nation” is that the more we know about the cultural history of our food, the more that leads to cultural openness. — Padma Lakshmi, quoted in The New York Times , 3 Aug. 2020 Implicit within the call for compassion is the need for collaboration—the recognition that the problems we face are too big to be solved alone. — Anne Kingston, Maclean's , 19 June 2019

Other Meanings of 'Explicit' and 'Implicit'

Explicit and implicit also have distinct meanings unconnected to their antonymy. Explicit is used to describe such things as writing, lyrics, photography, or film that express or depict openly offensive or vulgar nudity, violence, or sexuality, or it can indicate an act or behavior that is queasily graphic or leaves nothing to implication or the imagination (e.g., "scenes of explicit violence and drug use"). Another sense of implicit is "not affected by doubt," a meaning shared by words like absolute and complete , as in "implicit confidence," and, in a sense, explicit (which connotes clarity and openness).

Basketball officiating requires an explicit trust that the men or women in the striped shirts will make the right call every time. — Anthony Salamone, The Express-Times (Easton, Pennsylvania) , 3 Jan. 2019 "There is an implicit trust that each of my teammates share as we navigate a season during this pandemic, and I broke that trust. In Chicago, I made the mistake of violating the protocols but the biggest mistake of all was not immediately coming clean to my teammates. I owe them better. I now realize that by even exposing myself to just one person more than necessary, I am putting myself, my teammates, the guys I compete against, the umpires, the staff, the Indians organization as well as the Game that I love at risk." — Mike Clevinger, quoted in Sports Illustrated , 11 Aug. 2020

Implicit can also describe something that is inherent or inextricably connected with another but not immediately manifest—for example, bugs are "implicit" in new computer applications.

The implicit source of confusion with explicit and implicit is their shared Latin root, plicare , meaning "to fold," which gives them the same anglicized ending "-plicit." But one simply needs to look to their beginnings, their prefixes—respectively, ex- , meaning "out," and im- , "in, within"—to decipher their distinct meanings. Explicit can be interpreted as "to unfold" or "to lay out" (in other words, "to explain") and implicit can be translated as "to fold in," implying covering or containing (meaning) within.

True, the words have the same root and syllable count and are applied in similar contexts, but they are explicitly different in spelling and meaning. When in doubt, look to the prefixes: if you are describing something that is clearly ex plained or ex pressed, the word to use is explicit ; if you are describing something that is im plied, implicit is the word.

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Writing Tips

Word Choice: Explicit vs. Implicit

2-minute read
3rd December 2014

It’s always vital to make the correct word choice in an academic paper. In today’s blog post, then, we’re going to explain the difference between two regularly-confused words: “explicit” and “implicit.”

Both of these terms describe the way in an idea is expressed, yet they are also opposites of one another. As such, it is very important to use them correctly! Read on below to find out how to avoid errors with these terms.

Explicit (Fully and Clearly Expressed)

Explicit means “clear and unambiguous.” For example, if someone has clearly and fully explained their position, you could say that:

Jones’ views in this paper are explicit .

This means that Jones’ views are clearly stated. Don’t get confused with the other use of “explicit,” which indicates material of an adult nature!

Implicit (Implied or Expressed Indirectly)

Implicit means “indirectly expressed.” For example, if you read another paper by Jones and decided that some of her views were only implied rather than clearly stated, you could say:

Jones’ current ideas were implicit in her earlier work, but not yet fully developed.

Sometimes, implicit can also mean “unquestioned” or “unreserved”:

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My implicit trust in the news media means I am often misled by Rupert Murdoch.

In both of these cases, the idea is that something remains unstated.

Implicit or Explicit?

The correct term to use in any given situation will depend on the context. If you are describing something that is clear and unambiguous, the word to use will be “explicit.”

On the other hand, if you’re describing something that is merely implied, rather than clearly and fully expressed, the correct term will be “implicit.”

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“Explicit” vs. “Implicit”: What’s The Difference?

Difference Between Explicit Vs. Implicit
Implicit Vs. Explicit Memory
Implicit Vs. Explicit Costs

The words explicit and implicit can be easily confused. They sound similar, have the same ending, and are both abstract. Adding on to that, both words have multiple meanings—sometimes they’re opposites, and sometimes they simply mean different things.

In this article, we’ll explain the different ways these two words are used, including which one means “implied” and which one means “expressed directly.” Don’t worry, we’ll be explicit in our explanation.

⚡ Quick summary

The main senses of explicit and implicit are opposites. Explicit describes something as being expressed directly without anything being implied. Implicit describes things in which a meaning is implied or hinted at rather than being expressed directly. Explicit and implicit also have other specific meanings that are not necessarily opposites.

What is the difference between explicit vs. implicit ?

The adjective explicit describes something that has been expressed directly. For example, saying We gave them explicit instructions means that the instructions were stated in detail. Something that’s described as explicit doesn’t leave anything up to interpretation.

In contrast, the adjective implicit describes something that has been implied —meaning it has been suggested or hinted at but not actually directly stated or expressed. For example, saying We had an implicit agreement means that the agreement was implied but never actually stated or written down.

These senses of explicit and implicit are direct opposites. Consider the difference between these two statements:

Don’t press that button—it will give you an electric shock.
I wouldn’t press that button if I were you.

Statement 1 is an explicit warning. The speaker is clearly and directly telling you not to press the button and what will happen if you do. Statement 2 is an implicit warning. The speaker isn’t outright telling you not to press the button, nor do they say what exactly will happen if you. Rather, they are insinuating —implying, hinting—that something bad will happen if you press the button.

Directly related to explicit is the verb explicate , which means the same thing as explain. On the other hand, implicit is related to the verb imply , meaning “to suggest something without saying it.”

How to tell the difference between similes and metaphors.

To remember the difference, remember that the ex- in explicit comes from the prefix meaning “out,” and the im- in implicit comes from the prefix meaning “in.” If something’s explicit , a person comes right out and says it; if something’s implicit , the true meaning is in someone’s head.

The words explicit and implicit also have other senses that are used in particular contexts. For example, the word explicit can mean that something has sexual or inappropriate content, as in explicit lyrics or This interview features explicit language .

The word implicit can also mean “unquestioning or unreserved,” which is how it’s used in phrases like implicit trust and implicit obedience . Sometimes, it means “inherent.” This is how it’s used in the phrase implicit bias , which refers to a prejudice that someone has without knowing it.

It can be easy to confuse implicit and explicit because they are often used in the same contexts, or even alongside each other. Let’s look at a few specific situations to see the difference.

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implicit vs. explicit memory

In psychology and the study of memory, the words implicit and explicit are used to describe two different kinds of memory. Explicit memory refers to information that takes effort to remember—the kind we need to think hard about to dig out of our memory bank. Implicit memory , on the other hand, refers to information we can recall very easily or even unconsciously.

For most people, things considered part of implicit memory include knowing how to tie your shoes, knowing how to read, or knowing where you live. Typically, you can remember these things without even having to think about them.

In contrast, examples of explicit memory include dates of historical events, times for scheduled appointments, and passwords. Most of the time, you need to actively think about these things (at least a little bit) in order to correctly recall them.

implicit vs. explicit costs

In finance and economics, implicit and explicit are used in the terms implicit costs and explicit costs .

Of the two, explicit costs are easier to understand. These are costs expressly documented as such by a company. Explicit costs include things like employee salaries, repairs, utility bills, debt payments, land purchases, and so on.

Implicit costs are less direct. These are the undocumented costs that a business experiences as the result of something happening. For example, a company might close a store for a day in order to clean it. While this closure may not cost the company money as it is recorded on a balance sheet, it does have an implicit cost : lost sales. As another example, a business may have a manager train a new employee. The company of course pays the explicit cost of the manager’s salary, but there is also the unrecorded implicit cost of time, productivity, and profit considered to be lost during the time taken away from the manager’s main job.

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Implicit vs. Explicit: Understanding the Key Differences

By: Author English Study Online

Posted on Last updated: March 6, 2024

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When it comes to language, the difference between implicit and explicit can be subtle but significant. Understanding the distinction between these two concepts is crucial for effective communication.

In this article, we will explore the differences between implicit and explicit language in more detail. We will examine how these concepts are used in different contexts, and provide examples to help illustrate the distinctions between them. Whether you are a writer, a speaker, or someone who simply wants to communicate more effectively, understanding the difference between implicit and explicit language is an essential skill.

Implicit vs. Explicit

Table of Contents

Understanding Implicit vs. Explicit

Implicit: an in-depth look.

When something is implicit , it is not stated directly but is implied . This means that the meaning of the statement is not immediately clear and requires some interpretation to understand fully. Implicit statements often rely on context clues or the reader’s prior knowledge to understand the intended meaning.

One example of an implicit statement might be a speaker saying, “I’m not sure if I can make it to the party tonight.” While this statement may seem straightforward, it is actually implicit because the speaker is not directly stating whether or not they will attend the party. Instead, the listener must interpret the statement based on other contextual clues, such as the speaker’s tone of voice or previous conversations about the party.

It’s important to note that while implicit statements can be more difficult to understand, they can also be more nuanced and open to interpretation. For example, a writer might choose to use implicit language in a poem to convey a deeper meaning or emotion.

Explicit: An In-Depth Look

When we talk about something being explicit , we mean that it is expressed directly without anything being implied. Explicit is often used to describe something that is very clear and without vagueness or ambiguity.

Explicit language is straightforward and to the point. It leaves little room for interpretation, and the meaning is usually clear to everyone. This type of language is often used in legal documents, contracts, and other formal settings where clarity is essential.

For example, a contract might include explicit language to ensure that all parties understand the terms and conditions of the agreement. This language might include specific details about payment, delivery, and other important aspects of the deal.

In contrast, implicit language is more indirect and often relies on implication or assumption. It is not described clearly or directly, and the meaning is often left up to interpretation.

Key Differences: Implicit vs. Explicit

These two terms are often used to describe information that is either directly stated or implied. Explicit information is clear and straightforward, while implicit information requires some interpretation or inference to understand fully.

Here are some key differences between implicit and explicit:

Implicit	Explicit
Implied or hinted at	Directly stated
Requires interpretation	Clear and straightforward
Often subjective	Objective and factual
May be open to multiple interpretations	Leaves no room for interpretation

For example, consider the following sentences:

Implicit: “She sighed heavily as she looked out the window.”
Explicit: “ She said, ‘I’m feeling sad today.'”

In the first sentence, the meaning behind the sigh is not directly stated but must be inferred based on the context. In the second sentence, the meaning is clear and unambiguous.

Another example of implicit vs. explicit can be seen in instructions. Implicit instructions may assume prior knowledge or require some interpretation, while explicit instructions are clear and leave no room for confusion. For instance:

Implicit: “Add the spices until it tastes right.”
Explicit: “Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of paprika .”

In the first instruction, the amount of spices is not specified, and the cook must use their judgment to determine when the dish is seasoned correctly. In the second instruction, the exact measurements are given, leaving no room for interpretation.

It’s important to note that implicit and explicit can also refer to attitudes, beliefs, and values. Implicit attitudes are those that are unconscious or automatic, while explicit attitudes are those that are consciously held and can be easily expressed. For example:

Implicit: A person may hold unconscious biases against a certain group of people.
Explicit: A person may consciously express acceptance and tolerance of all people, regardless of their background.

Another way to understand the difference between implicit and explicit statements is to compare them side by side. The table below provides examples of both types of statements:

Explicit	Implicit
“I will be at the party tonight.”	“I’m not sure if I can make it to the party tonight.”
“I need you to finish this project by Friday.”	“It would be great if this project could be done by Friday.”
“Please don’t interrupt me while I’m speaking.”	“I appreciate your input, but I would like to finish my thought first.”

As you can see from the examples above, explicit statements are clear and direct, while implicit statements require some interpretation to understand fully.

Applications and Examples of Implicit and Explicit

Implicit communication is often used when the meaning is not explicitly stated but is instead implied or hinted at. This can be useful in situations where the speaker wants to convey a message without being too direct. For example, if you are in a meeting and someone says, “We need to improve our sales figures,” the implicit message may be that you need to work harder to sell more products.

Another example of implicit communication is body language. When you cross your arms, it may imply that you are closed off or defensive. When you nod your head, it may imply agreement or understanding.

Explicit communication, on the other hand, is when the meaning is clearly stated and there is no room for interpretation. This type of communication is useful when there is a need for clarity and precision. For example, if you are giving instructions to someone, it is important to be explicit to ensure that they understand what you are asking them to do.

Another example of explicit communication is legal documents. These documents need to be explicit in order to avoid any misunderstandings or misinterpretations. For instance, a contract may explicitly state the terms and conditions of a business deal.

The Role of Implicit and Explicit in Communication

In communication, both implicit and explicit language play a crucial role in conveying meaning. Explicit language is direct and clear, leaving no room for interpretation or confusion. On the other hand, implicit language relies on context and inference, often leaving some degree of ambiguity or uncertainty.

Explicit language is particularly useful when conveying important information or instructions. For example, if you are giving directions to someone, it is important to be explicit to ensure they understand where they need to go. In contrast, implicit language can be useful when trying to convey a more subtle message or emotion. For instance, if you are trying to express empathy or sympathy, implicit language can help convey the appropriate tone and emotion.

Using a combination of both explicit and implicit language can help create a more nuanced and effective communication style. For example, in a business setting, explicit language can be used to convey important information and instructions, while implicit language can be used to convey tone and emotion in interpersonal communication.

It is important to note that the appropriate use of implicit and explicit language can vary depending on the context and audience. For example, in a cross-cultural setting, it may be necessary to rely more heavily on explicit language to ensure that there is no confusion or misunderstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of implicit information?

Implicit information is often conveyed indirectly and may require the reader to make inferences. Examples of implicit information include implied meanings, assumptions, and suggestions. For instance, if someone says, “I’m feeling a bit under the weather,” it implies that they are not feeling well without explicitly stating it.

How can implicit and explicit claims be identified in a text?

Explicit claims are statements that are directly stated and clear, while implicit claims are suggested or implied. To identify implicit and explicit claims in a text, you need to look for clues such as tone, context, and syntax. Explicit claims are often found in topic sentences, while implicit claims are often found in supporting details.

What is the meaning of an explicit statement?

An explicit statement is a message that is conveyed directly and leaves no room for interpretation. It is clear and straightforward, and the meaning is not subject to debate or confusion. For example, “The store is closed” is an explicit statement that leaves no room for interpretation.

What are the differences between implicit and explicit information?

Implicit information is suggested or implied, while explicit information is directly stated. Implicit information requires the reader to make inferences, while explicit information is clear and straightforward. Moreover, implicit information is often subject to interpretation, while explicit information is not.

Can you provide examples of implicit sentences?

Implicit sentences are often used in literature and poetry to create a sense of ambiguity and depth. Examples of implicit sentences include “The silence was deafening,” which implies that the absence of sound was overwhelming, and “She was a rose among thorns,” which suggests that the woman was unique and special in a difficult environment.

What is the significance of understanding the difference between implicit and explicit information?

Understanding the difference between implicit and explicit information is essential for effective communication and interpretation. It helps readers to identify the intended message and avoid misunderstandings. Moreover, it enables writers to convey their ideas clearly and effectively, creating a more engaging and persuasive message.

Implicit vs. Explicit – How to Use Each Correctly

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What is the Difference Between Implicit and Explicit ?

1 What is the Difference Between Implicit and Explicit?
2 Using Implicit in a Sentence
3 Using Explicit in a Sentence
4 Remembering Implicit vs. Explicit
5 Outside Examples
6 Quiz: Explicit vs. Implicit
7 Article Summary

Implicit and explicit are both adjectives that share the same ending. However, they have opposite meanings. This can make the two words confusing.

Implicit means not stated directly but implied or hinted at .

She didn’t say she would kill me exactly, but she did say, “It would be a shame if something happened to you,” in a menacing way.

Explicit means stated directly . In other words, something explicit is very clear and exact about the meaning.

I don’t have a feeling that he will fire a lot of employees. I know it for certain. I know because he explicitly said that he would during the last meeting. ( explicitly is the adverb form of the word)

Now, let’s go over the specific ways each of these words are used.

Using Implicit in a Sentence

When to use implicit : Implicit is an adjective that describes some information that a person hints at but doesn’t say directly.

For example,

There was no rule in the student handbook against boys wearing skirts, but there was still an implicit understanding amongst the students that the school administration wouldn’t accept it.
The parent told the child, “Stop. Or else.” Although the parent didn’t directly say what the punishment would be, the child understood the implicit meaning that the punishment would be severe.

Implicit comes from the same Latin verb as the word implicate .

Using Explicit in a Sentence

When to use explicit : Explicit is an adjective that describes information that is stated directly and clearly, without any question about the meaning. Explicit has another meaning which describes a form of entertainment that includes a lot of graphic nudity or sexual activity.

For example:

I’m not guessing that my grandfather is racist. I know he is because he said that he was. It was very explicit.
You absolutely can’t drink any alcohol at all while you’re driving! That’s not a suggestion; that’s an explicit law!

Explicit comes from the same Latin verb as the word explain .

Remembering Implicit vs. Explicit

One way to remember the difference between these two words is to look at the first two letters of each.

Implicit starts with the prefix im . Im has the meaning of in . People find the meaning of implicit information within themselves, because no one says it out loud.

Alternatively, explicit starts with the prefix ex , which means out . This can help you remember that people understand explicit information because someone clearly says exactly what he or she means out loud.

Outside Examples

Sedgwick was an heiress, and much of the book’s power grows on Stein’s implicit understanding of what drove her into the role of Warhol’s “poor little rich girl” and the way she used that understanding to frame her interviews around the dangers of that role. – The Guardian
So what do the findings of the study mean for women and women of color affected by these hostile environments? Richey said some companies are already working to fix gender and race related problems through town halls, meetings and new committees where community members are able to discuss sexual harassment, racism, and implicit bias. – USA Today
She played a hooker with a heart of gold, loyally following the British Navy, yet never finding happiness because she was, well, a hooker. Although the second act featured jazz music, always a lurid sign, the show itself was not particularly explicit, and it had completed an out-of-town warmup in New London, Conn., without incident. – New York Daily News
“It is not explicit in the slightest! It is a shame that nudity is still considered offensive, especially for the reasons I talk about. I agree, we need to stop sexualizing the human body…and that is exactly what my photos and messages are aimed at doing!” – New York Post

Quiz: Explicit vs. Implicit

Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct word, either explicit or implicit , in the correct form.

______________ information is often easier to argue about and debate, since the exact meaning is open to interpretation.
_______________ information, on the other hand, explains the meaning clearly so people can understand it easily.
Some teachers are vague about their classroom rule and expect students to have an ______________ understanding of academic behavior.
Children learn language in an ____________ manner, because they are too young to learn grammar rules.
I can’t believe you cheated on your essay when I gave _____________ instructions not to plagiarize!

See answers below.

Article Summary

Should I use implicit or explicit ? These two words share the same ending, and they are both adjectives. However, they have opposite meanings.

Implicit means not directly stated or hinted at .
Explicit means stated directly or explained clearly and fully .

Using the information above can help to ensure that you don’t mix up these two similar sounding, yet differently defined, words.

Quiz Answers

The difference between explicit and implicit information in sources

Students often find that understanding the difference between ‘explicit’ and ‘implicit’ information in historical sources to be difficult.

I think that most of the confusion arises from the fact that the words ‘explicit’ and ‘implicit’ sound similar. However, it needn’t be a struggle, as the difference is very easy to learn.

In this blog post, I will step you through the two different concepts and provide you with some clear examples to help clarify any lingering confusion.

But first, let’s look at why historical sources contain implicit and explicit information in the first place.

Watch a video explanation:

Why historical sources use both explicit and implicit information

When authors are writing down information, they are trying to convince their readers to believe something.

For example, an author might write a biography about a famous general to convince you that they were incredibly brilliant at leading their armies.

Therefore, authors will tell you specific information so that you believe what they’re trying to convince you of.

For example, if they’re trying to convince you about the brilliant general mentioned before, they will share a range of stories about their greatest victories, or their most inspiring speeches.

When they do this, the authors must choose particular words to convey their information. They could choose to be very direct in convincing you or be cunning in how they share the information with you.

For example, they could simply say, “General Jones was an incredibly brilliant general”.

Alternatively, the author could try to be more subtle. Instead of just saying, “He was a brilliant general”, they could instead say, “His personality was so powerful and so rare that no-one else could match his leadership or ability to inspire his men”.

In this example, the author can use one of two ways to convey their information: either with the exact words or using a more subtle approach where they mention associated things that allow you to come to the same conclusion without using the specific words.

One of these approaches is called ‘explicit information’ and the other is ‘implicit information’.

Let’s look at each one separately.

Explicit Information

The most obvious way for authors to convey information is ‘explicitly’.

‘Explicit’ means ‘clearly stated’. Most of the time, this is when the author uses specific words to tell you what they want you to believe.

For example:

If a source said: “The Renaissance was a historical period where European society finally freed itself from the dark misery of the Middle Ages”, it is explicitly stated that the author believed that the Middle Ages was “dark” and caused “misery” to “European society”. This information is clear because exact words are used to tell you what the author wanted you to believe.

In most circumstances, authors of sources choose to use explicit information so that their audiences aren’t left wondering what to believe. Their information is so clearly stated, and spelled out with exact words, that there is no room for doubt or confusion.

Implicit Information

The second way an author can convey information to convince their audience is to ‘imply’ meaning or to be ‘implicit’.

‘Implicit’ means ‘not clearly stated’ or ‘not exactly said’.

When providing information in an implicit way, authors aim to be more subtle, or clever with how they try to convince you to believe what they want you to believe. Rather than stating something directly, they give you enough information so that you reach the conclusion yourself, without the author having to say it in exact words.

For example:

If an ancient author was trying to convince their audience that a particular Roman emperor was a god, rather than explicitly saying, “He was a god”, they could imply it by saying:

“The emperor had powers that no normal human being had: he could control the weather, read other people’s minds, and even cause earthquakes whenever he wanted. Finally, when the emperor had decided that his time on earth was finished, he flew up to heaven by himself.”

In this example, you notice that the words, “He was a god”, is not actually said anywhere. Instead, the author has given their audience enough information that they would reach that conclusion without actually being told directly.

In many cases, the authors of historical sources used implicit meaning to change people’s minds about something without the audience noticing, because the information is not clearly stated. For this reason, implicit information is used a lot in propaganda and other persuasive texts.

How to show that you know the difference

The need to know the difference between explicit and implicit meaning is often most important when completing assessment , especially exams. When you complete these tasks, you need to successfully show the exam marker that you can identify information that is either explicitly or implicitly expressed.

To show explicit information, you need to find the exact words in a source that conveys the information. The best way to do this is with a direct quote . Therefore, use the following steps when constructing your answer:

Read the historical source closely and mark (using an underline or a highlighter) the exact words used by the author.
Then, in your answer, quote these exact words to show that you’ve been able to identify explicit meaning.

To show implicit information, you need to summarise the meaning of a source using your own words, since it is never directly stated in the source. The best way to do this is by using an indirect quote .

However, to show how you reached this conclusion, you also need to support your answer by providing some direct quotes from the source that show what information the author provided that led to this conclusion. Therefore, use the following steps when constructing your answer:

Read the historical source carefully two or three times.
Write down, in your own words, what you think the source is trying to convince you of.
Find two or three statements in the source that leads you to this conclusion.
Then, in your answer, state your summary first to explain what the source was trying to say.
Next, support your summary by showing the two or three direct quotes from the source.
Finally, explain how these direct quotes led you to the conclusion you stated in your summary.

Sources can both be explicit and implicit

The more you study historical sources, the more you realise that they can provide both explicit and implicit information. Usually, you notice this when you are looking for direct quotes to support implied meaning.

Here is a quote from a source:

“The pharaoh enslaved his own people and forced them to build his pyramid. Over a thousand of his citizens died following his commands, but the pharaoh continued with his plans regardless of the suffering caused.”

In the above source, it is clear that the author is implying that the pharaoh was a cruel tyrant who was happy for people to die in order to get what he wanted. This was never clearly stated, and is, therefore, implied.

However, in order to imply this, the author provided explicit information in order to lead you to this conclusion. For example, it clearly stated that he “enslaved his own people” and that he “continued with his plans regardless of the suffering caused”.

A way to remember the difference

Many people have tried to devise a simple way to help remember the difference between the two concepts. Any way that helps you remember is perfectly fine, but here is a handy way to remember the difference between explicit information and implicit information that some students have found helpful.

This trick focuses on the sound at the start of each word:

Explicit has the sound ‘ex’ at the start. This should be a hint that the information uses the exact words. ‘ Ex plicit’ and ‘ ex act’ start with the same sound.

Implicit has the sound ‘im’ at the start. This should be a hint that you have to ‘imagine’ what the author wanted to convince you of. ‘ Im plicit’ and ‘ im agine’ start with the same sound.

Further resources

If you’d like further resources on implicit and explicit information from historical sources, read the following pages on the History Skills website.

The Comprehension page provides further resources on how to identify explicit meaning in sources.

The Interpretation page provides additional help with implicit information in sources.

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Home / Guides / Grammar Guides / Vocabulary Guides / Often Confused Words Guides / Explicit vs Implicit

Explicit vs Implicit

Explicit and implicit are two words that look similar but have very different meanings. Explicit is an adjective that describes “something that is clearly stated with no room for ambiguity.” Contrastingly, implicit is an adjective that describes “something not stated clearly and is only implied.”

Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.

Explicit (adjective)

Something that is clearly stated with no room for ambiguity.

The singer’s explicit language clearly demonstrated his frustration with the record label.

I would describe my sister as having an explicit personality as she rarely hides how she feels about things.

Explicit describes something or someone that is clear, direct, or blunt. There is no room for implication when something is explicit. Explicit can also mean offensive or vulgar when talking about language.

Implicit (adjective)

Something not stated clearly and is only implied.

His happiness with the election outcome was implicit in his speech, but only because he was asked to remain unbiased about it.

The implicit urgency of the letter indicated that help was needed now.

Something that is implicit is not clearly stated. Usually, implicit ideas are implied via word choice, tone, or other nonverbal indicators. If you need to remember the difference between implicit and explicit, just think of how implicit closely relates to the verb “imply.”

Main Points

Explicit is an adjective that describes something clearly stated. It can also mean vulgar or offensive when describing language.
Implicit is an adjective that describes something implied, not clearly stated.
Another way to remember the differences between these two words is their first letters. Think of exterior for explicit , since it is related to something clearly showing. For implicit , think of interior, as its meaning is more related to concepts not on the outside of something expressed.

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GCSE English Language Revision Notes >

What's the difference between explicit and implicit meaning?

Explicit meaning refers to the meaning of a text or utterance that is directly stated or expressed by the words used. It is the meaning that can be understood by a reader or listener without any additional interpretation or inference. For example, the sentence “The cat is on the mat” has an explicit meaning that can be understood literally.

Implicit meaning, on the other hand, refers to the meaning that is conveyed indirectly, through contextual cues, assumptions, or implications. It is the meaning that is not explicitly stated or expressed, but must be inferred or interpreted by the reader or listener. For example, the sentence “I’m so glad you could make it” might have an implicit meaning of surprise or relief, depending on the context of the conversation.

In general, explicit meaning is more straightforward and easier to understand, while implicit meaning requires more interpretation and inference. Understanding both explicit and implicit meaning is important for effective communication and interpretation of written and spoken language.

Explicit meaning refers to the literal or obvious meaning of a text or statement. It is what is directly stated by the author or speaker.

Implicit meaning refers to the underlying or suggested meaning of a text or statement. It is not directly stated, but rather inferred by the reader or listener through context, tone, and literary devices.

Examples of explicit meaning include straightforward statements, definitions, and facts. For instance, “The sky is blue” or “Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.”

Examples of implicit meaning include symbolism, metaphor, irony, and allusion. For instance, a red rose may symbolize love or passion, while a character’s actions may imply a hidden motive or emotion.

Understanding the difference between explicit and implicit meaning is important for effective communication, critical thinking, and analysis. It allows us to interpret messages accurately, recognize hidden meanings, and communicate more effectively.

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Implicit Meanings

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Implicit Meanings was first published to great acclaim in 1975. It includes writings on the key themes which are associated with Mary Douglas' work and which have had a major influence on anthropological thought, such as food, pollution, risk, animals and myth. The papers in this text demonstrate the importance of seeking to understand beliefs and practices that are implicit and a priori within what might seem to be alien cultures.

Part | 2 pages, part 1 essays on the implicit, chapter | 5 pages, introduction 1975, chapter 1 | 26 pages, the lele of the kasai, chapter 2 | 13 pages, social and religious symbolism of the lele, chapter 3 | 16 pages, animals in lele religious symbolism, chapter 4 | 14 pages, techniques of sorcery control in central africa, chapter 5 | 18 pages, sorcery accusations unleashed, chapter 6 | 4 pages, looking back on the 1950s essays, part 2 critical essays, chapter 7 | 10 pages, chapter 8 | 15 pages, if the dogon . . ., chapter 9 | 15 pages, the meaning of myth, chapter 10 | 19 pages, chapter 11 | 5 pages, do dogs laugh a cross-cultural approach to body symbolism, chapter 12 | 10 pages, couvade and menstruation, chapter 13 | 8 pages, the healing rite, chapter 14 | 5 pages, obituary of godfrey lienhardt, chapter 15 | 4 pages, looking back on the 1960s essays, part 3 essays on the a priori, chapter 16 | 14 pages, environments at risk, chapter 17 | 13 pages, the depoliticisation of risk, chapter 18 | 21 pages, deciphering a meal, chapter 19 | 32 pages, self-evidence, chapter 20 | 26 pages, rightness of categories, chapter 21 | 4 pages, looking back on the 1970s essays.

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Implicit and Explicit Documentation: Teaching Students to Write from Literature

The art of selecting evidence.

Writing persuasively about one or more sources begins with engaged reading. We all sift through best practices to find approaches that will help a student interact with the text. Since there is so little room in the syllabus to use the best incentive for engaged reading—personal choice—teachers seek meaningful activities that will energize the act of reading. Literature circles, reader response journals, two- and three-column notes, Venn diagrams, double entries, porcupine notes, entry/exit cards, questions, highlighting, color marking—any of these can help the reader both comprehend and interact with the material. Once a student has something to say, then they are more interested in learning how to incorporate the sources that generated their ideas.

Although the skill of documentation can be taught and learned fairly quickly, the art of selecting evidence takes time and practice. Anyone can work through the mechanics of quotation marks, the order of internal documentation, and the sentences that lead into or out of the quotation. Of course these are crucial. But the real learning comes in knowing how to choose and present the evidence. What is the difference between paraphrase and summary? What is “mere” summary, and what is summary as evidence? What should be quoted, and when? What about not quoting at all?

My students often seem to fall into two kinds of thinkers/writers: those who document explicitly, using quotations, links, and examples, and those who work implicitly, playing dangerously close to summary. I’m rarely able to convert either to the other’s camp, so I’ve learned to focus on helping each student become better at their preferred method. After some mini-instruction on formats, I use models from current and previous students for discussion of the effectiveness of the choices they made.

Three Examples of Explicit Documentation from a Source

The most frequent task is explicit documentation in support of an argument or position from a single source. The excerpt from the first example is an examination response on Fleur Adcock’s poem, “The Man Who X-Rayed an Orange.” This is the most complex in thought and evidence of the examples provided; the following paragraph is the closing argument. It briefly summarizes the earlier points, saving the quotations for emphasis. The parenthetical documentation is muddy, but even that muddiness is rich—it allows us to discuss other choices for talking about text and subtext. The student definitely has “something to say,” and effectively incorporates and documents lines and phrases from the poem.

As Adcock tells the tale of the man’s attempt at superhuman strength, the final judgment comes over the level of success of the act. The man starves himself and reaches a plane of power in which he sees through and suspends an orange. The audience recognizes the accomplishment (“For surely he lacked nothing, /Neither power nor insight nor imagination.” (29–30)), but to the Man “It was not enough” (20). Though her audience certainly expresses a deep respect for the man, Adcock shares the opinion of the man himself and builds to the ultimate disappointment of the attempt to be a god-like creator. The last line of the poem, “His only fruit from the Tree of Life” (35), describing the “light-filled” (34) orange, shows the closest level a man can get to God. The actual orange, the “golden globe” (33) itself, represents the man’s ultimately impossible attempt at reaching divinity.

Since most students use explicit documentation, we then move from this essay to look at some less successful essays employing the same strategy. For the weakest model, I use a paper from several years ago. This student’s analysis of a scene from Margaret Laurence’s The Stone Angel begins with a repetition of some of the words and phrases in the prompt (bolded): “The passage shows the process a person goes through when wondering about the motives behind one’s actions. Margaret Laurence uses excellent word choice to show this. “Already, we sense that the student has little to say; the first paragraph of development labels some sentences as ‘short,’ the second ‘characterizes the main character,’ and the third at last discusses the promised ‘word choice.’”

The word choice in this passage is also very effective. Some of the words may seem simplistic or complex; however, they fit and flow in each sentence. Laurence uses many words such as “it,” “that,” and “him” in this passage and in the entire novel. By doing this, the reader must continuously be certain of what the “he”, “she,” or “it” is. This may be significant because it may make the reader go back again and maybe recognize or notice some evidence or situation they didn’t notice the first time.

The student can be taught fairly easily to place quotation marks around “it,” “that,” etc. However, the teaching and learning of inference, evidence, and clarity are more formidable.

The next example shows someone who can somewhat successfully introduce evidence and use quotation marks but knows little else. This single paragraph is the entire essay, in which the student seeks to discuss the imagery in a novel but ends up merely summarizing it. This essay also begins with a repetition of the prompt and then organizes the evidence sequentially. The student can list examples but cannot elaborate on them, as shown in the use of ellipses in between confusing quotation marks.

The atomic bomb imagery plays a large role in the development of Ibuse’s story. In the beginning we receive a small sketch of what happened, with Yasuko’s diary entry for August 6. “At the Furue there was a great flash and boom. Black smoke rose up over the city of Hiroshima like a volcanic eruption.” As the story progresses, with each character's account of what happened to them, there is another piece added to a larger puzzle, until finally on page 282 of the novel, a name is given to the bomb and meaning is actually placed to what happened to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “An ‘atomic bomb,’ ...That’s the name for it, ...It gives off a terrible radiation.” However, one can say that the bomb has about seven different names during the course of the story, each one being more specific than the prior. “The name of the bomb, ...from the initial “new weapon” through “new-type bomb,” “secret weapon,” “special new-type bomb” ... that day, [became] an “atomic bomb.”

An Example of Implicit Documentation and Multiple Sources

After discussion of these three examples using explicit documentation from a single source, we move to the concept of implicit documentation using multiple sources. We examine an essay by a sophomore who has the task of comparing two movie versions of Hamlet to the original play. Description becomes an important tool because the sources are visual and aural. The student turns a brief summary into strong evidence, drawing conclusions from the setting, the body language, and the action in order to compare the characters’ motives. There is not a single direct quotation, yet the evidence is strong, citing the videotape and the catacombs, the gun and the sword, the internal struggle and the external action. The phrase “rewinds the soliloquy” concludes the student’s point and illustrates fine writing.

Ethan Hawke portrays Hamlet as a poet whereas Mel Gibson makes Hamlet to be more of a soldier in the famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be.” Throughout the whole movie, Hawke has incorporated the videotape into the scenes to express his thoughts. In this soliloquy Hawke is pointing a gun to his head and repeats the first lines many times, as if he really is contemplating killing himself. The struggle is much more internal and drawn out painfully, with a gun to his temple. Hawke seems to be unsure when he mutters nonchalantly. This is a contrast with Mel Gibson’s version. Gibson gives the speech in the catacombs of his ancestors, with his hand occasionally touching his sword. However, the feeling that he would draw the weapon to do harm to himself is barely hinted at, unlike the direct gun pointed to Hawke’s head. The death images surrounding Gibson remind him of his dead father and the murder he has yet to revenge. Hawke, however, continuously rewinds the soliloquy as if searching for the meaning he knows is embedded in the word but cannot seem to find.

These four models work well for discussions about incorporating sources into one’s own essay. By now everyone seems to have something to say about what makes good evidence and how to incorporate it. We find ourselves arguing for less paraphrasing and summary, and for more persuasive writing with implicit and explicit documentation.

Implicit vs. Explicit Essays: Which to choose?

What are everyone’s opinions on this? Where on the spectrum between explicit and implicit is/should the college application essay placed?

Implicit Essays: -figurative -risky -implied meanings, like in a narrative type of essay -creative -more emphasis on style

Explicit Essays -direct -not so risky -explicit definitions, like in an “activities list” kind of essay -less creative -more emphasis on content

Why can’t you have both?

You never want an activities list kind of essay, that’s the last thing you need; at the same time, style isn’t mutually exclusive from content.

You don’t want anything to be superfluous, but creative language doesn’t have to be that way. Abstraction demands explication. Move between the two -never stay in the middle.

The figurative or implied should be followed by concrete details.

Caught between “can you give me an example?” and “what does that mean?”, essays should be implicit and explicit. One should demand the other.

“Abstraction demands explication.”

I’m going to keep that in mind while I write. Thanks for your advice!

Any other advice would also be helpful.

To be more specific, what I mean is: Should the essay approach the reader directly? (Related to the above) How often can one use the “pronoun” I without sounding too focused on themselves, or repetitive for that matter? Should the essay describe an event, and what we learned from it? It seems like most college essays start off with an anecdote. Is starting with a quote or statistic instead a bad idea? Is it okay to describe a few (2-4) of our qualities with examples, or to give an example little story of one good quality? Is “boring” (in the sense of being explicit) always bad? True, it is much more common, but, hey, at least nothing can go wrong, right? Everyone says NOT to write about death, tragedies, adversity, and etc. because they are cliche, but I’m sure somehow one could pull off something like that…just what are some ways how? If a prompt is creative, can the answer be explicit? Like for one of the kinds that ask for “a page in the book of your life,” can the answer be literal? And vice versa–for a technology school, is implicitness looked down upon? And finally, how can we maintain a balance between the two?

Honestly, you’re not a bad writer yourself, and I’m not entirely knowledgeable. But that’s helped me write good essays in the past.

It should be alright to approach the reader directly, but make sure it makes a point. While it’s certainly okay, I’m not sure you should be trying to talk to the reader the whole time, although it could work. Just remember that you’re trying to focus on yourself.

And don’t worry about using “I”, the essays are about you. And sometimes repetition can make a point, or at least cool parallel sentences. But unless you’re repeating it at the start of every sentence for a reason, I’d try not to start two sentences in a row that way.

This is copied and pasted from another source, but take the following example.

"“I worked for three years at ABC Plastics, a small injection molding company. I was responsible for overseeing the overall management of ABC Plastics, from day-to-day operations to strategic planning. I was the manager of 100 people. I worked very long hours, but I learned more than I ever imagined.”

It’s a little too much, the “I” gets old. So if you try to take out the I’s, you get:

“For three years, I worked at ABC Plastics, a small injection molding company. My responsibilities at ABC included overseeing the overall management of the company, from day-to-day operations to strategic planning. As the supervisor of over 100 staff, my days were long, but I learned more than I ever imagined.”

It sounds a little better. It’s alright to keep the focus on yourself, that’s what you’re supposed to do, but try to keep variety.

The essay doesn’t have to describe an event, either. You’re supposed to provide clarity on who you are, what makes you different, and how you can contribute to the college. If a significant event demonstrates that, then go for it. At the same time, you can discuss ideas, people, or anything you want. Just provide insight.

If you need an anecdote to do so, then provide one. You always want to provide examples backing up your ideas (and ideas you’ve gained from the examples). Remember that the essay should be reflective -you want to emphasize the event/idea’s relation to yourself, not the event itself. Quotes and statistics can serve similar purposes, they’re common as well.

Nothing should ever be boring. This doesn’t mean you have to write a poem or be funny, but if you connect it to yourself, your examples shouldn’t be boring. Take a local spelling bee as an example -it’s not very interesting. But good writing can make anything worthwhile. Covering a spelling bee, as a journalist wrote: “Thirteen year old Lane Boy is to spelling what Billy the Kid was to gun-fighting, icy-nerved and unflinchingly accurate.”

I would read the rest of that article. Don’t think in terms of boring and creative, just try to explain and relate ideas.

Explicit can be creative.

This is running on a little long, but any topic works if you can connect it to yourself in a meaningful way. Adversity is okay. But how did it change you, what did you get out of it? Essays are meant to reveal yourself.

What do you want the colleges to know about you, and what instances/parts of your life help you express that?

It’s all you need to know.

They want to know who you are. “Technology school” or not, they just want to know that a real person is submitting the application. Implicitness would never be frowned upon.

You’re splitting implicit and explicit when they shouldn’t even be separate.

Great! Thanks for the lengthy but helpful post. Explicit and implicit harmonically…

Your essay should “flow” smoothly, without any evidence that you stumbled on how to make the essay fit the prompt. If you can, pick a “choose your own topic” topic (I think it’s on the common application). Write about something important to you, something that NOBODY else could re-create. Deaths, family illness, mishaps, travels, and hobbies are common topics, so if you choose one, make it unforgettable. You must portray a significant personal theme in the essay rather than retelling the story of what happened. Don’t worry about the essay, it will come with time. I had to re-write mine twelve times before i was ready to send it off. Every time I revised it, it got better, more engaging, and more descriptive of myself (I wrote about a family illness). You should include specific details, but don’t make them the focus of your essay. The meaning or your reaction to the “implicit ideas” is what matters. The fact that your dad was killed by a drunk driver (example) will not sell your essay with its drama; it needs your perception and ideas to convey a complete meaning. You may wish to volunteer to read/critique some of the essays that members post here on the site. They can provide examples (and ONLY examples) for how to go about doing this.

Feel free PM me if you have any more questions, etc. I’ve sent my stuff in, so I’d be glad to read anything you come up with.

Question 1 Skills: Explicit and Implicit Meanings ( CIE IGCSE English Language )

Revision note.

Question 1 Skills: Explicit and Implicit Meanings

Question 1: Comprehension on Paper 1 of your IGCSE tests you on your ability to understand the more obvious meanings in a text, as well as your ability to use clues and hints in a text to explore the more hidden meanings. You also need to be able to select and use information from the text for specific purposes.

The sections below will explain the difference between explicit and implicit meanings and how to recognise them:

Explicit versus implicit meanings

Analysing explicit and implicit meanings.

Explicit information is clear and directly expressed. Implicit refers to something that is understood, but not described or stated clearly or directly. Something stated implicitly uses implication , assumption and inference to generate meaning.

For example:

information in this sentence is that the corridor is long, cold and windswept meaning in this sentence is that the corridor is creepy and frightening

Something that is implicit is inferred; this means you need to make a logical inference based on the evidence you are presented with. In the above example, the fact that the corridor seems to be a frightening place is a logical inference to make, based on the fact that even the shadows “quake and shudder”.

When identifying and analysing the explicit and implicit meanings in a text, it is important that you explain your ideas clearly, based on the context of the text.

This means that you should:

Develop your ideas and analysis based on the information you have been given in the text (rather than jumping to illogical conclusions):
For example, in the sentence “The man stumbled into the house, tripping and cursing his way up the stairs,” a logical inference would be that the man is drunk
This is because of the writer’s use of the the words “stumbled”, “tripping” and “cursing”
Jumping too far would be to suggest that the man is an alcoholic; there is no evidence in this sentence to support this
Zoom in on particular words that support the inference you are making
Explain why the writer may have chosen those particular words to use

For example, consider the following text:

about 40,000 years ago, then died mysteriously. Discovered on a riverbank in Siberia, she’s the most perfectly preserved woolly mammoth ever discovered. Lyuba has mesmerised the scientific world with her arrival - creating headlines across the globe.

The explicit information in this text is:

Lyuba is a one-month old baby mammoth who lived about 40,000 years ago
Scientists do not know how she died
She was discovered on a riverbank in Siberia
She is the most perfectly preserved woolly mammoth ever discovered

What is implied in the text is:

This is an amazing, unusual and rare scientific discovery (“Only a handful have ever been found before”/”none like her”/”most perfectly preserved woolly mammoth ever discovered”)
Scientists around the world are astounded and excited by her discovery (“Lyuba has mesmerised the scientific world”)
Her discovery is big news (“creating headlines across the globe”)

What’s most important is that you have evidence for all of your implied meanings (as in each of the examples above).

Critical Reading Tools

Think of critical reading as a bit like an autopsy: you have a piece of text laid out in front of you and you need to dissect it. To do that, you need to learn what tools there are, how to use them, and when to select the right one. These reading tools are going to help you to better interrogate the texts you’re given in the exam.The 4 tools are:

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Author: Deb Orrock

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She now manages a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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Research bias
What Is Implicit Bias? | Definition & Examples

What Is Implicit Bias? | Definition & Examples

Published on January 27, 2023 by Kassiani Nikolopoulou . Revised on December 18, 2023.

Implicit bias is a collection of associations and reactions that emerge automatically upon encountering an individual or group. We associate negative or positive stereotypes with certain groups and let these influence how we treat them rather than remaining neutral.

This can lead to discriminatory behaviour in a wide range of contexts such as healthcare, the workplace, and education.

What is implicit bias, what causes implicit bias, implicit vs. explicit bias, implicit bias examples, what is the harvard implicit bias association test (iat), how to reduce implicit bias, other types of research bias, frequently asked questions about implicit bias.

Implicit bias is an unconscious preference for (or aversion to) a particular person or group. Although these feelings can be either positive or negative, they cause us to be unfair towards others. Affinity bias or the tendency to favor people who are similar to us, is an example of this unfair behaviour. However, any aspect of an individual’s identity, such as age, gender, or socioeconomic background, can be the target of implicit bias.

Under implicit bias, we are unaware that our biases (rather than objective facts) affect our decisions and judgments. For example, when most people hear the word “kindergarten teacher,” they are more likely to picture a female. This can happen without intention or awareness and may even contradict openly held beliefs. Because implicit bias is unconscious, it is difficult to acknowledge and control.

Implicit bias occurs due to unconscious mental processes. There are several factors at play in the development of implicit biases:

Our brains create categories . We have the natural tendency to assign everything we see into a category. Even though this happens unconsciously, after categorising things or people, we also assign a positive or negative association to them. Categories allow our brains to know what to do or how to behave. The downside of this is that classifications often cause us to overgeneralise.
We rely on mental shortcuts. Most of the time, we rely on “automatic” information processing that involves little conscious thought. This allows us to exert little mental effort in our everyday lives and make swift judgments.
Social and cultural influences. Our upbringing, social environment, and direct and indirect experiences with members of various social groups imprint on us. These shape our perception at a deeper level, even if we are not conscious of it.

Both implicit and explicit bias involve judging others based on our assumptions rather than the situation or the facts at hand. However, they are actually quite different.

Implicit bias occurs when we have an inclination for or against a person or group that emerges automatically. In other words, our evaluation, positive or negative, is unintentional and beyond our conscious awareness.
Conversely, explicit bias refers to positive or negative attitudes that we are fully aware of. We openly express them and share them with others, because these attitudes are part of our worldview.

Despite their differences, implicit bias can be just as problematic as explicit bias because both may lead to discriminatory behaviour.

Implicit bias can lead to discriminatory behaviour when it comes to hiring a diverse workforce.

In a field experiment measuring racial discrimination in the labor market, researchers responded to job ads in Boston and Chicago using fictitious resumes. To manipulate perception of race, each resume was assigned either an African-American-sounding name or a white-sounding name. The results showed significant discrimination against African-American names: applicants with white-sounding names received 50 percent more callbacks for interviews.

The amount of discrimination was uniform across occupations and industries. Additionally, federal contractors and employers who mentioned “Equal Opportunity Employer” in their ad discriminated as much as other employers.

The researchers concluded that there was little evidence that employers were trying to infer something other than race, such as social class, from the name.

The Harvard Implicit Bias Association Test (IAT) is a computer-based assessment measuring the strength of associations between concepts or stereotypes to reveal an individual’s implicit or subconscious biases.

The idea behind IAT is that, while we can measure explicit bias by asking respondents directly about their views regarding something like gender roles, the same does not apply for implicit biases. When we want to measure hidden or implicit attitudes, we need to do so indirectly. Otherwise, respondents will not answer truthfully due to social desirability or a lack of awareness of their own biases.

There are different versions of the IAT, but it typically consists of five rounds. In each round, respondents need to quickly sort words (e.g., “parents”) into categories that are on the left- and right-hand side of the screen (e.g., “career” and “family”). The key assumption underlying any IAT is that the stronger the association a respondent has between two concepts, the faster they are to make these associations.

Understanding implicit bias is critical because both positive and negative unconscious beliefs can lead to structural and systemic inequalities. However, because it operates outside our awareness, if we want to reduce it, we first need to become conscious of it. The following strategies can be helpful:

Taking the IAT can help you realise that everyone, including you, has implicit biases. Recognising them for what they are increases the likelihood that next time you won’t let these hidden biases affect your behaviour.
Positive intergroup contact. Unconscious bias towards a particular group can be reduced through interaction with members of that group. For example, you can make it a point to engage in activities that include individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Counter-stereotyping. Exposure to information that defies stereotypes that persist about groups or individuals, such as images of female scientists, can counter gender stereotypes.
Implicit bias training. Although raising awareness is important, it’s not enough. The most successful training programs are ones that allow individuals to discover their biases in a non-confrontational manner and also give them the tools to reduce and manage their biases.

Cognitive bias

Confirmation bias
Baader–Meinhof phenomenon
Availability heuristic
Halo effect
Framing effect
Optimism bias
Negativity bias
Affect heuristic
Representativeness heuristic
Anchoring heuristic
Primacy bias

Selection bias

Sampling bias
Ascertainment bias
Attrition bias
Self-selection bias
Survivorship bias
Nonresponse bias
Undercoverage bias
Hawthorne effect
Observer bias
Omitted variable bias
Publication bias
Pygmalion effect
Recall bias
Social desirability bias
Placebo effect
Actor-observer bias
Ceiling effect
Ecological fallacy
Affinity bias

Bias can be either positive or negative. However, all forms of bias (whether favorable or unfavorable) prevent us from judging others fairly.

For example, because of explicit bias , a teacher might openly claim that students from a certain ethnic background are exceptionally good in math. Even though this sounds positive, it means that other students are automatically treated as second-rate. For this reason, bias is linked to unfairness and thus has a negative connotation.

There are two main types of bias:

Implicit bias is the positive or negative attitudes, feelings, and stereotypes we maintain about members of a certain group without us being consciously aware of them.

Explicit bias is the positive or negative attitudes, feelings, and stereotypes we maintain about others while being consciously aware of them.

Bias is a systematic error in the design, administration, or analysis of a study. Because of bias, study results deviate from their true value and researchers draw erroneous conclusions.

There are several types of bias and different research designs or fields are susceptible to different types of research bias. For example, in health research, bias arises from two main sources:

The approach adopted for selecting study participants
The approach adopted for collecting or measuring data

These are, respectively, selection bias and information bias .

The opposite of implicit bias is explicit bias , or conscious bias. This refers to preferences, opinions, and attitudes of which people are generally consciously aware. In other words, explicit bias is expressed openly and deliberately.

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Nikolopoulou, K. (2023, December 18). What Is Implicit Bias? | Definition & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/implicit-bias/

Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination. American Economic Review , 94 (4), 991–1013. https://doi.org/10.1257/0002828042002561

Daumeyer, N. M., Onyeador, I. N., Brown, X., & Richeson, J. A. (2019). Consequences of attributing discrimination to implicit vs. explicit bias. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology , 84 , 103812. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2019.04.010

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an implicit agreement/warning/promise
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Implicit meanings : selected essays in anthropology

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Implicit vs. Explicit: What's the Difference?
Both of these start with the letter "I.". E xplicit starts with an "E" and is Sp e ll e d 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. Explicit is directly stated and spelled out.
Explicit vs Implicit: Usage Guide
The implicit source of confusion with explicit and implicit is their shared Latin root, plicare, meaning "to fold," which gives them the same anglicized ending "-plicit." But one simply needs to look to their beginnings, their prefixes—respectively, ex-, meaning "out," and im-, "in, within"—to decipher their distinct meanings.
Word Choice: Explicit vs. Implicit
The correct term to use in any given situation will depend on the context. If you are describing something that is clear and unambiguous, the word to use will be "explicit.". On the other hand, if you're describing something that is merely implied, rather than clearly and fully expressed, the correct term will be "implicit.". Remember:
"Explicit" vs. "Implicit": What's The Difference?
implicit vs. explicit memory. In psychology and the study of memory, the words implicit and explicit are used to describe two different kinds of memory.Explicit memory refers to information that takes effort to remember—the kind we need to think hard about to dig out of our memory bank. Implicit memory, on the other hand, refers to information we can recall very easily or even unconsciously.
Implicit vs. Explicit: Understanding the Key Differences
Implicit: A person may hold unconscious biases against a certain group of people. Explicit: A person may consciously express acceptance and tolerance of all people, regardless of their background. Another way to understand the difference between implicit and explicit statements is to compare them side by side.
Implicit vs. Explicit
Implicit means not stated directly but implied or hinted at. She didn't say she would kill me exactly, but she did say, "It would be a shame if something happened to you," in a menacing way. Explicit means stated directly. In other words, something explicit is very clear and exact about the meaning. I don't have a feeling that he will ...
The difference between explicit and implicit information in sources
Explicit has the sound 'ex' at the start. This should be a hint that the information uses the exact words. 'Explicit' and 'exact' start with the same sound. Implicit has the sound 'im' at the start. This should be a hint that you have to 'imagine' what the author wanted to convince you of.
Explicit vs Implicit
Explicit and implicit are two words that look similar but have very different meanings.Explicit is an adjective that describes "something that is clearly stated with no room for ambiguity." Contrastingly, implicit is an adjective that describes "something not stated clearly and is only implied." Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
More Thoughts on Bordwell's Levels of Meaning
Where the former two levels of meaning are constitutive of comprehension, implicit meanings are the beginning of 'interpretation' proper. 4) 'Symptomatic' or 'repressed' meaning. Referential, explicit and implicit criticism assumes the film 'knows' what it is doing and the spectator is uncovering intentional meanings.
What's the difference between explicit and implicit meaning?
For example, the sentence "I'm so glad you could make it" might have an implicit meaning of surprise or relief, depending on the context of the conversation. In general, explicit meaning is more straightforward and easier to understand, while implicit meaning requires more interpretation and inference. Understanding both explicit and ...
Implicit Meanings
Implicit Meanings was first published to great acclaim in 1975. It includes writings on the key themes which are associated with Mary Douglas' work and which have had a major influence on anthropological thought, such as food, pollution, risk, animals and myth.
Implicit Meanings
Implicit Meanings: Essays in Anthropology is a collection of essays written in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s by the influential social anthropologist and cultural theorist Mary Douglas. Publication history. The volume Implicit Meanings was first published by Routledge in 1975 and was reprinted in 1978 and 1991.
Implicit and Explicit Documentation: Teaching Students to Write from
An Example of Implicit Documentation and Multiple Sources. After discussion of these three examples using explicit documentation from a single source, we move to the concept of implicit documentation using multiple sources. We examine an essay by a sophomore who has the task of comparing two movie versions of Hamlet to the original play ...
Implicit Meanings : Selected Essays in Anthropology
Purity and Danger (1966) is an essay about the logic of pollution beliefs, suggesting that ideas about dirt and disorder outline and reinforce particular social orders. Her other essays exploring the implicit meanings of cultural symbols follow a similar Durkheimian format.
Implicit vs. Explicit Essays: Which to choose?
The meaning or your reaction to the "implicit ideas" is what matters. The fact that your dad was killed by a drunk driver (example) will not sell your essay with its drama; it needs your perception and ideas to convey a complete meaning.
Infer vs. Imply
Their meanings are closely related, but they shouldn't be used interchangeably. Imply means to express or suggest something indirectly—without explicitly stating it. Infer means to draw a conclusion from some evidence—in other words, to pick up on something that was implied. Examples: Imply in a sentence. Examples: Infer in a sentence.
Question 1 Skills: Explicit and Implicit Meanings
The implicit meaning in this sentence is that the corridor is creepy and frightening This is shown by the use of imagery, such as "candle flicker" and "shadows quake and shudder" Something that is implicit is inferred; this means you need to make a logical inference based on the evidence you are presented with.
What Is Implicit Bias?
Implicit bias is an unconscious preference for (or aversion to) a particular person or group. Although these feelings can be either positive or negative, they cause us to be unfair towards others. Affinity bias or the tendency to favor people who are similar to us, is an example of this unfair behaviour. However, any aspect of an individual's ...
Implicit Definition & Meaning
implicit (adjective) implicit /ɪm ˈ plɪsət/ adjective. Britannica Dictionary definition of IMPLICIT. 1. : understood though not clearly or directly stated. an implicit agreement/warning/promise. Their plans are based on the implicit [= implied] assumption that the proposal will be accepted. There is a sense of moral duty implicit in her ...
Implicit meanings : selected essays in anthropology
Implicit meanings : selected essays in anthropology by Douglas, Mary. Publication date 1999 Topics Ethnology Publisher London ; New York : Routledge Collection internetarchivebooks; printdisabled Contributor Internet Archive Language English Item Size 1107127982. xx, 322 p. : 24 cm DON53/2002
Implicit Meanings: Essays in Anthropology. Mary Douglas
menuDrawerCloseText menuDrawerOpenText Home. Subscribe/renew. Institutions; Individual subscriptions; Individual renewals; Recommend to your library; Purchase back issues; Browse issues
Implicitly denying the controversy associated with the Implicit
One day in the mail this issue of Daedalus arrived. The title was Understanding Implicit Bias: Insights & Innovations, and it had a bunch of articles, 35 authors in total. One of the articles was called The Science of Implicit Race Bias: Evidence from the Implicit Association Test; another was The Implicit Association Test; and there were others on the effects of implicit bias, implicit bias ...

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Implicit and Explicit Documentation: Teaching Students to Write from Literature

Three Examples of Explicit Documentation from a Source

An Example of Implicit Documentation and Multiple Sources

Implicit vs. Explicit Essays: Which to choose?

Question 1 Skills: Explicit and Implicit Meanings ( CIE IGCSE English Language )

Question 1 Skills: Explicit and Implicit Meanings

Explicit versus implicit meanings

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