Exposed

/ɪkˈspoʊzd/

verbmediumVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To reveal something, typically a truth or secret, or to allow something to be seen or experienced.

/ɪkˈspoʊz/

verbneutralmedium
General

To reveal something concealed or hidden.

The company's unethical practices were exposed to the public.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're a detective finding a hidden clue. To expose something means you've found the secret and are telling everyone about it, or you showed something hidden to everyone.

👶 For kids: To show something that was hidden!

More Examples

2

The photographs exposed the damage caused by the hurricane.

3

He exposed his skin to the sun.

How It's Used

Journalism

"The investigative journalist exposed the corruption within the company."

Science

"The scientists exposed the cells to radiation to study its effects."

2

Open to something harmful or undesirable; not protected or shielded.

/ɪkˈspoʊzd/

adjectivenegativeBeginner
General

Not protected; vulnerable or open to something undesirable.

The wounded soldier was left exposed to the elements.

💡 Simply: If something's exposed, it's out in the open and unprotected. Imagine leaving your phone outside in the rain - it's exposed to the weather and could get damaged.

👶 For kids: Being out in the open and not covered up.

More Examples

2

The exposed pipes froze in the winter.

3

The hikers were exposed to the sun and wind.

How It's Used

Construction

"The exposed wiring was a safety hazard."

Environment

"The exposed coastline was vulnerable to erosion."

Tip:Imagine a house with broken windows – it's exposed to the elements.

Idioms & expressions

expose to

To subject someone or something to a particular condition, influence, or experience.

"The children were exposed to a variety of art forms."

From Old French *esposer* meaning 'to set forth, explain', from Latin *exponere* meaning 'to put out, expose', from *ex-* 'out' + *ponere* 'to put, place'.

Historically, 'expose' has been used since the 16th century, initially to mean to set forth or explain, later expanding to include revealing or making something visible.

Memory tip

Think of unzipping a secret - it's exposed!

exsposedexpossedexspozed

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written