implicit
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “implicit” mean?
noun.implied though not plainly expressed.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing literature, philosophy, or social dynamics, emphasizing subtle meanings or underlying messages that are not overtly stated. It highlights the importance of reading between the lines, distinguishing itself from words like "explicit," which denotes clear and direct expression.
Common Confusions
Implicit implies meanings that are suggested but not directly stated, while explicit usually suggests clear and direct expression without ambiguity.
Do not choose implicit if the context emphasizes clarity or directness rather than something that is implied though not plainly expressed.
Example Sentences
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There was an implicit agreement not to discuss money.
Word Parts: How to Remember “implicit”
Break “implicit” into its parts: in- (into) + -plex- (fold, interweave). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
in-into (Latin) -
Root:
-plex-fold, interweave (Latin)