IGCSE English Explicit and Implicit Meanings

 

• Explicit meaning refers to what is stated plainly and directly in a text. This is the information the writer communicates in a straightforward way, leaving little room for misinterpretation. For example, “The sun rose at 6 a.m. today” is an explicit piece of information about a specific event or fact.
• Implicit meaning involves ideas, messages, or emotions that are suggested but not stated outright. Readers must use context, clues, and their own experiences to interpret what the writer is implying. For instance, if a story says a character lingered by the window and sighed whenever a red car passed, it may implicitly suggest the character is waiting for someone who drives a red car, without directly saying so.