Cool MateExplicitly vs Openly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Explicitly
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1adverb
Openly
Top 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Most formal: Explicitly
| Explicitly | Openly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈsplɪsɪtli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈsplɪsɪtli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈəʊpənli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈəʊpənli/"]/ |
| Meaning | In a clear and direct way. | In a way that is clear and free to see or know. |
| Example | The report states explicitly that the system was to blame. | Can you talk openly about sex with your parents? |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | state explicitly, say explicitly, ask explicitly, require explicitly | speak openly, discuss openly, express feelings openly |
| Antonyms | implicitly, ambiguously | secretly, covertly, privately |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'implicitly', which means something is suggested but not stated outright., Using it in informal speech where simpler words would suffice., Misplacing it in the sentence, leading to unclear meaning. | Confusing with 'open' as an adjective., Using it in a sarcastic tone by mistake., Not realizing it can mean without secrecy. |
| Usage notes | Use 'explicitly' when you want to emphasize that something is clearly stated, especially in formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'openly' when describing actions or feelings that are shared clearly with others. It can be less appropriate in formal contexts where discretion is valued. |
Frequently asked questions: Explicitly vs Openly
What's the difference between Explicitly and Openly?
Explicitly: In a clear and direct way. Openly: In a way that is clear and free to see or know.
Which is more formal: Explicitly and Openly?
Explicitly is the most formal of these.
Which is more advanced: Explicitly and Openly?
Explicitly is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Explicitly and Openly the same CEFR level?
Explicitly: C1, Openly: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Explicitly and Openly?
Explicitly: adverb, Openly: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Explicitly: The report states explicitly that the system was to blame. Openly: Can you talk openly about sex with your parents?
Can I use Explicitly and Openly interchangeably?
Not always. Explicitly and Openly are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.