Explicit vs Subtle - What's the difference?
explicit | subtle |
Very specific, clear, or detailed.
(euphemism) Containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic.
(obsolete)
Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.
(of a thing) Cleverly contrived.
(of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful.
insidious
* 1623 , , act iv, scene 4,
Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.
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)- I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.
- The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.
Synonyms
* express, manifest, overt * (containing offensive material) raunchyAntonyms
* implicit, unexplicit, vague * (containing offensive material) circumspectDerived terms
* explicitation * explicitly * explicitnessExternal links
* * ----subtle
English
Alternative forms
* subtil (obsolete) * subtile (obsolete)Adjective
(er)- The difference is subtle , but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
- Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle , bloody, treacherous.