exposition
- 01 C1 Advanced
a clear and detailed explanation of an idea or theory.
a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory, typically in written or spoken form.
Simple“The book provides a clear exposition of the complex political situation in the region.”
In context“The professor's latest paper offers a rigorous exposition of the ethical dilemmas inherent in artificial intelligence development.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the part of a story or play that gives the background information about the characters and setting.
the introductory part of a narrative where the author provides necessary background information regarding characters, setting, and conflict.
Simple“The first chapter is mostly exposition, helping us understand why the hero left home.”
In context“Critics argued that the film relied too heavily on clunky dialogue for exposition rather than showing the character's history through action.”
UsageCommonly used in literary and film criticism.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a large public event where goods, art, or new technology are shown.
a large-scale public exhibition or show, often international in scope, designed to showcase achievements in industry, science, or art.
Simple“The city is hosting a grand exposition to celebrate its 200th anniversary.”
In context“The 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris is best remembered for the construction of the Eiffel Tower as its entrance arch.”
UsageOften shortened to 'expo' in modern casual usage.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the first part of a piece of music where the main tunes are played for the first time.
the initial section of a movement in sonata form or a fugue, in which the primary thematic material is first presented.
Simple“In the exposition of the symphony, the violins introduce the main theme.”
In context“The composer extends the exposition significantly, delaying the transition to the second subject to build harmonic tension.”
UsageUsed specifically in the context of classical music theory.
SynonymsAntonymsrecapitulationdevelopment - 05 C2 Proficiency
the act of leaving a child alone in a public place because the parents cannot care for it.
the act of abandoning an unwanted infant in a public place; historically a method of population control or dealing with poverty.
Simple“The old story tells of the exposition of the twins in the forest.”
In context“The legal code of the period contained specific, albeit harsh, regulations regarding the exposition of infants.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is rare in modern English and usually appears in historical or mythological contexts.
Synonyms
“There are a couple of strangely melodramatic moments of psychological exposition (using a disembodied voice on audio) in which characters speak to themselves in a heightened state of emotional turmoil.”
“She cites his participation in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he displayed ten works featuring female subjects from across India in regional dress.”
From Middle English exposicioun, from Old French esposicion, from Latin expositiō, from expōnere (“to put forth”). The sense meaning "exhibition" is a later semantic loan from French exposition.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.