What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pointedly
Example
She pointedly ignored his rude comment. [pointedly: adverb]
Example
He raised his eyebrow pointedly to indicate his disapproval. [pointedly: adverb]
explicitly
Example
The instructions were explicitly stated in the manual. [explicitly: adverb]
Example
She explicitly told him not to touch anything in her room. [explicitly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Explicitly is more commonly used than pointedly in everyday language. Explicitly is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while pointedly is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pointedly and explicitly?
Both pointedly and explicitly can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, explicitly is more neutral in tone and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while pointedly may be perceived as more confrontational or aggressive in formal settings.
