Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being implicit; something that is understood or contained within something else without being directly stated. This refers to a meaning, agreement, or condition that is suggested or inherent rather than openly expressed. 2. Inexplicitness as a consequence of being implied or indirect. This is the state of not being fully or clearly stated because the meaning is conveyed indirectly.

Usage and Examples

• The implicitness of their agreement meant nothing was written down, but both parties understood the terms.
• The novel's power lies in the implicitness of its social critique; the message is felt rather than directly argued.
• Cultural norms often operate through implicitness, where rules are understood by members of the group without being formally taught.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical/Linguistic Context: In philosophy of language and semantics, implicitness is a key concept. It describes the part of a message's meaning that is not part of its literal, semantic content but is understood from context, shared knowledge, or conversational principles.
  • Example: The implicitness in his statement "The room is cold" could be a request to close the window.

Variants and Related Words

• Implicit (adjective): Implied though not plainly expressed.
• Implicitly (adverb): In a way that is not directly expressed; without reservation.
• Explicitness (noun): The quality of being clear, detailed, and fully stated. This is the direct antonym of implicitness.

Synonyms

• Tacitness
• Indirectness
• Inferred meaning
• Unspoken understanding
• Latency (in the sense of being present but not visible)

Antonyms

• Explicitness
• Directness
• Clarity (in the sense of being explicitly clear)
• Expressness

Noun

1. inexplicitness as a consequence of being implied or indirect