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expose

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɪkˈspoʊz// ex·pose Academic General-service

v. to show something that was hidden or to let someone experience something new. You can use it for physical things, like skin, or for ideas and secrets.

v. to uncover or reveal something previously concealed; to subject someone or something to an influence or atmosphere. Takes a direct object.


SIMPLE

The sun will expose the bright colors of the painting.

CONTEXTUAL

The investigative journalist worked for months to expose the corruption within the local government.

COMPLEX

By traveling to different continents, parents hope to expose their children to diverse cultures and perspectives that will broaden their understanding of the world.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English exposen, from Old French exposer (“to lay open, set forth”), from Latin expōnō (“set forth”), with contamination from poser (“to lay, place”). Doublet of expone and expound (via Old French espondre (“to set forth, explain”)), from the same Latin term.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. In photography and computing contexts, it refers to allowing light or data to be processed.

Pitfall

The secret was expose by the news.The secret was exposed by the news.Learners often forget the 'd' for the past participle in passive voice constructions.

Idioms1 entry

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