Exposing
/ɪkˈspoʊzɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo reveal the truth about something, often something negative or secret, to make visible or known.
/ɪkˈspoʊz/
To reveal the truth about something, often something negative or secret.
The investigation is intended to expose the fraud.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone's hiding a secret. Exposing is like pulling back the curtain and showing everyone what they were hiding. For example, if a company's polluting the river, exposing their actions means everyone will find out.
👶 For kids: To show something that was hidden or secret.
More Examples
Sunlight can expose your skin to harmful radiation.
The documentary exposed the harsh realities of factory farming.
How It's Used
"The investigative journalist was dedicated to exposing government corruption."
"The experiment aimed to expose the flaws in the previous theory."
To leave something without protection or shelter, or to subject someone or something to (something harmful).
/ɪkˈspoʊz/
To leave something without protection or shelter, especially from the elements.
The old building's foundations were exposed to the weather for years.
💡 Simply: Imagine leaving a plant outside in the sun, or letting your skin be in direct sunlight, that is exposing it. It's leaving something unprotected, making it vulnerable to harm. For example, leaving your car exposed to the rain could cause it to rust.
👶 For kids: To put something where it can get touched by things like sun or rain.
More Examples
We should avoid exposing our skin to excessive sun.
How It's Used
"Plants that are over-exposed to the sun may die."
"The photographer adjusted the settings to avoid over-exposing the film."
Idioms & expressions
expose oneself
To make oneself vulnerable, often emotionally.
"He was reluctant to expose himself emotionally after being hurt in the past."
expose the truth
To reveal facts that have been hidden.
"The journalist's investigation sought to expose the truth."
From Middle English *exposen*, from Old French *esposer* ('to explain, set forth, expose'), from Latin *exponere* ('to put out, expose'), from *ex-* ('out') + *ponere* ('to put, place').
The word 'expose' has been used since the 16th century, initially with the meaning of 'to reveal' or 'to explain'. Its usage related to 'leaving something open' or 'vulnerable' developed later.
Memory tip
Think of taking off a cover: to expose something is to take away the cover and reveal what's underneath.
Word Origin
"to put out, expose"