Exposition Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɛksˈpōziション/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A presentation of the background information, situation, or setting of a story, play, poem, or other work of fiction or nonfiction, typically given at the beginning, which serves to establish the context and mood.

Examples

• The author provided a lengthy exposition on the history of the city before diving into the main plot.
• The professor’s lecture was an exposition of the economic theories that shaped the country’s development.
• The film begins with an exposition of the characters’ backgrounds, setting the stage for the conflict that follows.
• The novel’s exposition establishes the bleak atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic world.
• The play’s exposition sets the tone for the rest of the performance, introducing the characters and their motivations.

Synonyms

• Introduction
• Background
• Setting

Antonyms

• Conclusion
• Summary

Additional Information

Exposition is a crucial element in storytelling, as it helps to establish the context and mood of the narrative. It can be presented through dialogue, narration, or action, and serves as the foundation for the rest of the story. Effective exposition can engage the audience, introduce key themes, and create a sense of tension or conflict.

Exposition can also take the form of backstory, which is information about a character’s past that helps to explain their motivations and actions. Backstory can be presented through dialogue, flashbacks, or narration, and is often used to add depth and complexity to a character’s personality.

Etiymology

The word “exposition” comes from the Latin “exponere,” meaning “to put forth” or “to show.”

Usage Notes

Exposition is often used in literary and academic contexts to describe the presentation of background information. However, it can also be used in everyday language to describe the act of explaining or describing something.

When using the term in context, it’s important to consider the audience and purpose of the exposition. In some cases, it may be necessary to provide more detailed background information, while in others, a brief introduction may suffice.

Cultural References

Exposition has been referenced in popular culture in films such as “The Princess Bride” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” as well as in literature, such as in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Explain away
• Put into context
• Come to the point

Related Words or Phrases

• Context
• Background
• Setting

Collocations

• Exposition of the theme
• Exposition of the plot
• Exposition of the characters

Frequency of Use

Exposition is a commonly used term in literary and academic contexts, and is often encountered in books, articles, and research papers.

Common Misspellings

• Exposion
• Expositon