Words / C2

eks-i-JEES-is/ˌeksɪˈdʒiːsɪs/

Exegesis is a critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a difficult one: biblical exegesis, exegesis of a clause. An explanation (already in the dictionary) is everyday making-clear; interpretation (already in the dictionary) is how you explain the meaning, and to elucidate (already in the dictionary) is to clarify by explaining. A commentary (already in the dictionary) is critical discussion; to gloss (already in the dictionary) is to smooth over, or to annotate briefly. Bombast (already in the dictionary) is empty swell. Reading the motto is not a methods paragraph.

Meaning

A critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially a difficult one.

Examples

• “Exegesis of the motto is not a methods paragraph.”
• “An explanation makes something clear (already in B1). Interpretation is how you explain meaning (already in B1). To elucidate is to clarify (already in C2). A commentary is critical discussion (already in C1). To gloss is to smooth over or annotate (already in C1). Bombast is pompous empty language (already in C2). Scale on the right object can be exact. Scale instead of a dated n is theatre. Write the number; then the gloss.”

Good to know

Critical interpretation of a text. Everyday: explanation / interpretation (already in this dictionary). Close: elucidate / commentary / gloss (already in this dictionary). Contrast: bombast (already in C2). A motto ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

interpretation, commentary, exposition, gloss

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