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How to Pronounce “explicit”

Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.

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American (US)
/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/
British (UK)
/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/

adjective — Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for doubt.

Example: The instructions were explicit about the deadline.

Synonyms: unambiguous, clear

Antonyms: implicit, vague

Where the stress falls. “explicit” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "explicit" mean?

explicit (adjective): Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for doubt. For example — The instructions were explicit about the deadline.

How do you pronounce "explicit" in American vs British English?

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "explicit", /ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "explicit"?

/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ in American English, /ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "explicit"?

“explicit” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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