exposition

/,ekspə'ziʃn/
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exposition

The exposition of the symphony introduces the main melody.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A systematic explanation or detailed description of an idea, theory, or process: An "exposition" is a comprehensive presentation intended to explain or clarify a subject.
    • A large public exhibition or show, often for art, industry, or technology: An "exposition" is an event where items are displayed for public viewing.
    • (In music, especially sonata form) The initial section where the principal themes are presented: The "exposition" is the part of a musical composition that introduces the main melodic material.
    • The act of exposing something to view or revealing something: "Exposition" can refer to the action of making something visible or known.
Usage and Examples
  • As a detailed explanation:
    • The professor's exposition of quantum mechanics was remarkably clear.
    • The book's first chapter provides a necessary exposition of the historical context.
  • As a public exhibition:
    • We visited the international exposition to see the latest technological innovations.
    • The World's Fair is a famous type of exposition.
  • In music:
    • The sonata's exposition introduces two contrasting themes.
  • As an act of revealing:
    • The documentary led to the exposition of corruption within the organization.
Advanced Usage
  • "Exposition dump" (or "info-dump"): A term in narrative criticism referring to a large amount of background information provided clumsily or all at once, often in dialogue.
    • The film's opening suffered from an awkward exposition dump about the planet's history.
  • In rhetoric and logic: The "exposition" is the part of an argument or discourse that states the facts or lays out the premise.
    • The essay's exposition clearly defined the terms of the debate.
Variants and Related Words
  • Expository (adj): Intended to explain or describe something.
    • She wrote an expository essay on climate change.
  • Expose (v): To make something visible or reveal something, often something concealed.
    • The journalist worked to expose the truth.
  • Expositor (n): A person who explains or interprets difficult material.
    • He was a gifted expositor of complex philosophical ideas.
Synonyms
  • Explanation: A statement that makes something clear.
  • Exhibition: A public display of works of art or items of interest.
  • Elucidation: Explanation that makes something clear; clarification.
  • Presentation: The act of formally showing or describing something.
Antonyms
  • Concealment: The action of hiding something.
  • Obfuscation: The action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
  • Mystification: The state of being very confused or complicated.
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • "A model of exposition": Used to describe a piece of writing or speech that is an excellent example of clear explanation.
    • His lecture was a model of exposition, making a difficult topic accessible to all.
  • "To require exposition": To need explanation or clarification.
    • The novel's intricate plot requires some exposition in the early chapters.
exposition

The exposition of the symphony introduces the main melody.

Noun
  1. (music) the section of a movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes first occur
  2. 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
  3. a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
  4. a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topic