What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Latent vs Implicit - What's the difference?

latent | implicit | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between latent and implicit

is that latent is existing or present but concealed or inactive while implicit is implied indirectly, without being directly expressed.

latent

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Existing or present but concealed or inactive.
  • * 2008 July 2, Joe Palca, “Scientists Make Herpes Breakthrough”, abstract, All Things Considered , National Public Radio
  • Those infected with a herpes virus are infected for life. That’s because the virus goes "latent ." Sometimes, it awakes from its slumber, producing painful illnesses.

    Synonyms

    *(concealed) hidden, invisible *(inactive) dormant

    Antonyms

    *(concealed) apparent, patent, visible

    Anagrams

    * * ----

    implicit

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Implied indirectly, without being directly expressed
  • * 1983 , (Ronald Reagan),
  • The Bible and its teachings helped form the basis for the Founding Fathers' abiding belief in the inalienable rights of the individual, rights which they found implicit in the Bible's teachings of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.
  • Contained in the essential nature of something but not openly shown
  • Having no reservations or doubts; unquestioning or unconditional; usually said of faith or trust.
  • * 1765 , Anonymous,
  • He is not only a zealous advocate for pusilanimous and passive obedience, but for the most implicit faith in the dictatorial mandates of power.
  • (obsolete) entangled, twisted together.
  • * Alexander Pope
  • In his woolly fleece I cling implicit .

    Synonyms

    * (implied indirectly) implied, unspoken * (contained in the essential nature) inherent, intrinsic * (having no reservations) unconditional, unquestioning

    Antonyms

    * explicit

    Derived terms

    * implicitly * implicitness