Meaning & use

exposition

noun·Academic

A comprehensive explanation of an idea or theory, or the introductory part of a story that provides background information.

See it in a sentence

The opening chapter's exposition introduces the setting and main characters before the plot begins.

His exposition of the tax proposal helped clarify its complicated details.

A note on using this word

In storytelling, exposition refers specifically to background information given early in a narrative, distinct from its broader sense of a detailed explanation.

Words with a similar meaning

explanationbackground

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A large public exhibition, often of art, products, or industry.

The company unveiled its new car at the international auto exposition.

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