expository

American  

[ik-spoz-i-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ɪkˈspɒz ɪˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

Also expositive

adjective

1. of the nature of exposition; serving to expound, set forth, or explain.

   an expository essay;

   expository writing.

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expository British  

/ ɪkˈspɒzɪtərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. of, involving, or assisting in exposition; explanatory

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Other Word Forms

• expositively adverb
• expositorily adverb
• semiexpositive adjective
• semiexpository adjective

Etymology

Origin of expository

From the Medieval Latin word expositōrius, dating back to 1590–1600. See expositor, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

The poem proceeds by image and association rather than expository logic.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This show breaks all the expected rules - you hear about Netflix demanding expository dialogue so that if somebody's watching on their phone, they can follow the story without really paying attention," she tells the BBC.

From BBC

There is an almost complete absence of expository dialogue.

From Los Angeles Times

With judicious trimming, particularly of the occasional puddle of expository or repetitive dialogue, the play would gain a tauter pace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Our first indication that he might not be like the other goons with badges is shown in his expository flashback.

From Salon