What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
specific
Example
Please be specific about which book you want me to bring. [specific: adjective]
Example
The instructions were very specific and easy to follow. [specific: adjective]
explicit
Example
The movie had explicit scenes of violence and nudity. [explicit: adjective]
Example
He gave explicit instructions on how to operate the machinery. [explicit: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specific is more common in everyday language than explicit. It is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while explicit is often limited to certain types of content or language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between specific and explicit?
Explicit is generally considered more formal than specific, as it is often used in technical or legal contexts. However, it can also have informal or offensive connotations depending on the context in which it is used.
