exposition

noun

ex·​po·​si·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈzi-shən 

1

: a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing)

2

a

: discourse or an example of it designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to understand

b(1)

: the first part of a musical composition in sonata form in which the thematic material of the movement is presented

(2)

: the opening section of a fugue

3

: a public exhibition or show

expositional

ˌek-spə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• display
• exhibit
• exhibition
• expo
• fair
• show

Examples of exposition in a Sentence

This is not an easy book, and the reader may find the layers of detail challenging. There are long expositions of the knotty tangles of monarchical lineage, and the necessary chronicle of historical events occasionally consumes the novel's narrative drive. —Lucy Lethbridge, Commonweal, 23 Oct. 2009

He is masterly in absorbing information and masterful in organizing it—skeptical of fashion, clear in exposition, fluent in communication, unremittingly scholarly. —Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, New York Times Book Review, 11 June 2000

Although they were invited to use an early X ray machine on display at the exposition, they turned down the offer, and they never found the bullet. —T. Burton Smith, American Heritage, September 1992

The subject requires some exposition.

a clear exposition of his ideas

Recent Examples on the Web

High-profile maritime expositions that showcase the latest in yacht design, technology, and luxury include the Dubai International Boat Show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, and the three-day Gulf Superyacht Summit 2024, coming in November. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 June 2024

While this saga has compelling themes, its magic gets dimmed in the perplexing plot points and unnecessary exposition that perforate its 10-episode first season. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 June 2024

Weaving personal experience and keen anthropological theory into a lush and haunting tapestry of magical portrayals from pop culture, Sankey achieves an intricate archival exposition backed with tremendous feeling. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 June 2024

The characters here are not as particularly compelling, especially in the first act, which is heavy on exposition. —Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see exposit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exposition

noun

ex·​po·​si·​tion ˌek-spə-ˈzish-ən 

1

: an explanation of something

2

: a piece of writing that explains

3

: the first part of a piece of music in which the theme is presented

4

: a public exhibition

expositor

ik-ˈspäz-ət-ər

noun

expository

ik-ˈspäz-ə-ˌtōr-ē

-ˌtȯr-

adjective