These words may all describe statements that are clear-cut and direct. Definite and unequivocal both refer to expressions unclouded by any ambiguity. Definite is unique in suggesting decisiveness of choice; a definite answer would be one that is conclusive and perhaps binding. Unequivocal , in contrast, is more concerned with truthfulness and with expressions free of misleading possibilities. A definite agreement made in bad faith would not be unequivocal .

Categorical , unqualified and unconditional refer to expressions reduced to the simplest statement possible, without reservations of any kind. Categorical suggests that possibilities for reply have been sorted out into a very few categories in advance: a categorical yes-or-no answer; a categorical denial of the charges. Unqualified is similar to but more sweeping than categorical in suggesting that the statement will hold true regardless of any limitations or restrictions that might be brought to hear. If a critic gives his unqualified approval to a play, it means he found every aspect of it worthwhile ?the acting, staging, sets, costumes and dialogue ?whether or not he mentions these things item by item in his review. Because of this suggestion that details need not be given, unqualified sometimes suggests a rashness of judgement: Unqualified views are unwarranted in such a complex situation. Unconditional is more apposite to agreements or the making of bargains. It suggests that one’s stand is not dependent upon provisos: unconditional surrender; an unconditional guarantee.

Explicit , specific and express emphasize that the statement is spelt out, in all its details if necessary this emphasis contrasts sharply with unqualified , and with the necessary brevity implied in categorical . In suggesting a stated rather than assumed situation, they are more like definite . The latter, however, is more concerned with clarity than with detail. One might infer what is definite , but explicit implies an actual putting into words.

• It was definite that he was to be a passenger on the boat, though he would not be explicit about his destination.

Explicit often tends to suggest the stating of choice among alternative, while specific may simply emphasize accurate description without evaluation. Specific , more than explicit , also suggests full treatment in giving particulars: a specific suburb-by-suburb report on the city’s housing needs. Express is slightly more formal than explicit or specific and means expressing in plain words what might already be implied.

• An express agreement among honest men is seldom necessary.