exposition

The word “exposition” means a large public exhibition, often of art, products, or culture. In plain terms, either a public exhibition, or a detailed explanation — including the background-setting part of a story.

“Exposition” is pronounced ehks-puh-ZIH-shuhn (/ɛkspəˈzɪʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “exposition” used in a sentence: “The World's Fair was one of the great expositions of the twentieth century.”

“Exposition” is a noun.

The word “exposition” comes from Latin. From Old French esposicion, from Latin expositiō, based on expōnere, "to put forth" or explain.

“Exposition” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Exposition” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large public exhibition, often of art, products, or culture.

Exposition is the fuller, more formal word for a large public exhibition, while expo is simply an informal shortened form of it. Exposition is also used in two other senses that expo does not cover: a clear detailed explanation of a subject, and the background information given at the start of a story.

In storytelling, exposition refers to the background information provided at the start of a narrative, explaining characters, setting, or events the audience needs to understand what follows. Writers often aim to deliver exposition naturally through dialogue or action rather than long blocks of explanation, to avoid slowing the story down.

Exposition specifically refers to a clear, detailed explanation of a subject, often in formal writing or speech, while explanation is the more general everyday word for making something understood. Exposition can also carry the additional meanings of a public exhibition or narrative background, making it a broader term than explanation alone.