exposition
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (4)
- a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topicSynonyms: expoundingType of interpretationKinds philosophizing
- a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public displaySynonyms: exhibitionexpoType of collection, aggregationKinds art exhibition, peepshow, fair
- an account that sets forth the meaning or intent of a writing or discourse“we would have understood the play better if there had been some initial exposition of the background”Type of explanation, account
- (music) the section of a movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes first occurType of section, subdivision
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: L. expositio, fr. exponere, expositum: cf. F. exposition. See Expound.
1. The act of exposing or laying open; a setting out or displaying to public view.
2. The act of expounding or of laying open the sense or meaning of an author, or a passage; explanation; interpretation; the sense put upon a passage; a law, or the like, by an interpreter; hence, a work containing explanations or interpretations; a commentary.
You know the law; your exposition Hath been most sound.— William Shakespeare
3. Situation or position with reference to direction of view or accessibility to influence of sun, wind, etc.; exposure; as, an easterly exposition; an exposition to the sun. obsolete John Arbuthnot
4. A public exhibition or show, as of industrial and artistic productions; as, the Paris Exposition of 1878. A Gallicism
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54