Explicit meaning comes from information that is directly stated in a text, while implicit meaning comes from information that is suggested or implied. Both types of meaning are valuable - explicit meaning is important for clarity while implicit meaning adds depth and encourages critical thinking. In texts, explicit and implicit meaning are often connected, as explicit details provide context for readers to derive implicit meanings.

1. EXPLICIT VERSUS
IMPLICIT MEANING

2. EXPLICIT MEANING
Explicit meaning is the
message that we get
from what is being
directly stated in a text.
Explicit meaning comes from
information that:
- Is clear, not vague
- Is straightforward
- Is obvious
- Does not leave room for multiple
interpretations or confusion
When it comes to explicit meaning, the
message is stated.

3. EXAMPLE
“Giovanna and Rahul will pick up the garbage from the savannah during
recess time,” said Mrs. Bovell.
Look at Mrs. Bovell’s instructions. She gives clear
and specific details. She:
-named the students
-identified their task
-indicated where and when they must complete the task
Her instructions are straightforward and leave
little room for confusion
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC
BY-SA-NC

4. IMPLICIT MEANING
Implicit meaning is the
message that we get
from what is suggested
in the text.
Implicit meaning comes from
information that:
- Is not clearly stated
- Requires the reader/listener to
think critically
- Encourages the reader/listener
to draw conclusions
When it comes to implicit meaning, the
message is implied.

5. EXAMPLE
“The savannah is dirty. Someone needs to be responsible and clean it
soon!” said Mrs. Bovell.
Here, Mrs. Bovell does not assign any student
the task of cleaning the savannah nor does
she instruct them when to do it. She says that
someone needs to do it and that it
is the responsible thing to do. She,
therefore, is implying that it would be
responsible for a student to volunteer.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

6. THE VALUE OF EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT
MEANING
EXPLICIT MEANING
Explicit details are often required when it is
important for someone to deliver a
message that is clear. For examples,
instructions should be explicit.
Additionally, communicating explicitly is
crucial when the same message must reach
a variety of people and there can be no
room for misinterpretation. For example, a
Government press conference needs to
give explicit details so that the general
public understands the meaning regardless
of their background
IMPLICIT MEANING
However, sometimes it may be necessary to
communicate something indirectly. For
example, if you wish to gently suggest to a
friend that they need to brush their teeth
because their breath is smelling awful. You
would need to rely on implied meaning
because being too direct can offend them.
Implicit meaning also adds layers of
meaning. Literary work, such as poetry, rely
on implied meaning for richness of
communication.

7. EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT MEANING IN TEXTS
Explicit and implicit meaning both have value in communication.
Often, explicit and implicit meaning are connected to each other in
texts. Often, the explicit details that are stated are what the
reader/listener will use to interpret the information and therefore
derive the implied meaning.

8. EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT MEANING IN TEXTS
Jamilah’s eyes squinted and welled up with tears. She wore a deep
and disturbed frown.
Here, we have the explicit details of Jamilah’s facial
expressions. From this, we can guess that Jamilah is
upset. Even though the sentences do not directly
state that she is upset, we can derive this meaning
because we know generally that these behaviours are associated with
being upset.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
under CC BY-SA

9. SUMMARY
Explicit meaning comes from information that is directly stated.
Implicit meaning comes from information that is suggested.
Both are valuable for different reasons.
Both are connected in texts and so, we must pay attention to each in
order to comprehend what we read/listen to.

10. Image References
• Heins, John P., 6 February 2013, Who is responsible for your health?, viewed 21 July 2021
http://belviderechiropractic.com/uncategorized/who-is-responsible-for-your-health/
• Motus A.D., 9 June 2020, Is there anything you can’t put on a taco?, viewed 21 July 2021,
http://www.michellesmirror.com/2020/06/is-there-anything-you-cant-put-in-taco.html#.YPglfehKhPY
• Wilfredor, 6 April 2013, Girl with sad face, viewed 21 July 2021,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Girl_with_sad_face.jpg