Meaning & use
the exposition
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Meanings
nounsingularliterary
The opening part of a story or play that gives background about the characters, setting, and situation.
Grammar: Takes 'the' because it names one specific section of a text: The exposition comes first, before the rising action.
Patterns
- the exposition of a novel
- in the exposition
- the exposition introduces someone/something
The exposition of the novel shows us the village before anything strange happens.
In the first chapter, the exposition tells us that the hero has just lost his job.
Teachers often ask students to underline the exposition and the climax.
nouncountableformal
A clear, detailed explanation of an idea or theory, usually written or spoken.
Grammar: Countable here, so you can say 'a clear exposition' or 'several expositions'.
Patterns
- an exposition of something
- give an exposition of something
Her book is a careful exposition of how the new tax system works.
He gave a short exposition of his theory to the committee.
The article offers a clear exposition of the main scientific ideas.
nouncountable
A large public show where companies or artists display goods, art, or new technology.
Grammar: Countable and often used for big organized events: an exposition of modern art.
Patterns
- an exposition of something
- hold an exposition
- visit an exposition
The city is holding an exposition of local crafts next month.
Thousands of visitors came to the technology exposition.
Her paintings were shown at an exposition in Paris.
Word forms
| plural | expositions |
|---|
Common combinations
- the exposition of a story
- The exposition of a story usually comes before the conflict.
- a clear exposition
- The professor gave a clear exposition of the theory.
- an art exposition
- We spent the afternoon at an art exposition downtown.
- the exposition begins
- The exposition begins with a description of the old house.
- hold an exposition
- The school will hold an exposition of student work in June.
Synonyms and how they differ
- introduction
- More general and used for any opening section; 'exposition' is the literary term for background information in a narrative.
- explanation
- Fits everyday contexts; 'exposition' sounds more formal and often suggests a full, organized account.
- exhibition
- Better for art or museum displays; 'exposition' is more common for large trade or technology shows.
Opposites
Word family
- expository adjective
- Describing writing that explains or gives information.
- exposit verb
- A rare formal verb meaning to explain something in detail.
- expositor noun
- A person who explains or interprets a text, especially formally.
Commonly confused: the exposition or exposition vs. exposure? the exposition or exposition vs. exhibition?
the exposition vs exposition vs. exposure
'Exposition' means an explanation or a show; 'exposure' means being uncovered or made known, as in 'exposure to the sun'.
the exposition vs exposition vs. exhibition
An 'exhibition' is usually a display of art or objects; an 'exposition' is often a large public or trade show.
Practice
In a short story, what does the exposition usually do?
Choose one answer.
The exposition is the opening section that supplies background about characters and setting. Option 0 describes the resolution, not the exposition.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the exposition”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.