Words / B2

eksp-uh-ZISHUN/ˌekspəˈzɪʃn/

An exposition is a clear public explanation of an idea, theory, or argument: an exposition of; a clear exposition. It is also a large public exhibition in older or formal writing. Explain and explanatory (this batch) are close; account is everyday. The exposition in the essay still needs a named theory. Mix-up: exposition vs explosion; exposure (already related); do not write exposition for a one-line slogan with no argument.

Meaning

A clear public explanation of an idea, theory, or argument.

Examples

• “The exposition in the essay still needs a named theory, the English paper said.”
• “The Great Exhibition was an exposition in the history source, which is the fair sense — still name the year and the site.”

Good to know

an exposition of; a clear / systematic exposition. Close: explanation / account. Fair sense: exhibition. Trap: explosion. English, RS, and history. A clear setting-out of an idea — name the theory, or date the fair.

Near in meaning

explanation, account, exhibition

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