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Explicit vs Subtle - What's the difference?

explicit | subtle |

As adjectives the difference between explicit and subtle

is that explicit is very specific, clear, or detailed while subtle is hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.

explicit

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Very specific, clear, or detailed.
  • I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.
  • (euphemism) Containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic.
  • The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.
  • (obsolete)
  • Synonyms

    * express, manifest, overt * (containing offensive material) raunchy

    Antonyms

    * implicit, unexplicit, vague * (containing offensive material) circumspect

    Derived terms

    * explicitation * explicitly * explicitness

    subtle

    English

    Alternative forms

    * subtil (obsolete) * subtile (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.
  • The difference is subtle , but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
  • (of a thing) Cleverly contrived.
  • (of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful.
  • insidious
  • * 1623 , , act iv, scene 4,
  • Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle , bloody, treacherous.
  • Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.
  • Synonyms

    * crafty, cunning, skillful * (insidious) insidious

    Antonyms

    * (hard to grasp) simple

    Derived terms

    * subtle body * subtleness * subtlety * subtly

    References

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    Anagrams

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