What does "exposition" mean?

1. (detailed explanation) a clear and detailed explanation of an idea or theory. 2. (story background) the part of a story or play that gives the background information about the characters and setting. 3. (large exhibition) a large public event where goods, art, or new technology are shown. 4. (musical section) the first part of a piece of music where the main tunes are played for the first time. 5. (abandoning a child) the act of leaving a child alone in a public place because the parents cannot care for it.

How do you use "exposition"?

Often followed by the preposition 'of'. Commonly used in literary and film criticism. Often shortened to 'expo' in modern casual usage. Used specifically in the context of classical music theory.

exposition

US //ˌɛkspəˈzɪʃən// UK //ɛkspəzˈɪʃən// ex·po·si·tion

1 detailed explanation (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

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.

Example

The book provides a clear exposition of the complex political situation in the region.

Example

The professor's latest paper offers a rigorous exposition of the ethical dilemmas inherent in artificial intelligence development.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
2 story background (n.)
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.

Example

The first chapter is mostly exposition, helping us understand why the hero left home.

Example

Critics argued that the film relied too heavily on clunky dialogue for exposition rather than showing the character's history through action.

Usage

Commonly used in literary and film criticism.
- background
- introduction
- climax
- resolution

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3 large exhibition (n.)
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.

Example

The city is hosting a grand exposition to celebrate its 200th anniversary.

Example

The 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris is best remembered for the construction of the Eiffel Tower as its entrance arch.

Usage

Often shortened to 'expo' in modern casual usage.
4 musical section (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Music

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.

Example

In the exposition of the symphony, the violins introduce the main theme.

Example

The composer extends the exposition significantly, delaying the transition to the second subject to build harmonic tension.

Usage

Used specifically in the context of classical music theory.
- opening
- introduction
- recapitulation
- development
5 abandoning a child (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Formal Law

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.

Example

The old story tells of the exposition of the twins in the forest.

Example

The legal code of the period contained specific, albeit harsh, regulations regarding the exposition of infants.

Teacher's tip

This sense is rare in modern English and usually appears in historical or mythological contexts.
- abandonment
- desertion

Origin

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.

Word family

NounEXPO
Nounexposition