exponer
Lemma Details
Translation: to expose; to exhibit; to display; to explain; to set forth; to put forward
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'exponere', which combines 'ex-' (out) and 'ponere' (to place, put). The English cognate 'expose' comes from the same Latin root. The connection between 'placing something out' and the modern meanings is clear: when you expose something, you place it out for others to see; when you explain something, you lay it out clearly.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No debes exponer tu piel al sol sin protección.
You shouldn't expose your skin to the sun without protection.
Van a exponer sus obras en la galería local.
They're going to exhibit their works in the local gallery.
El profesor expuso claramente su teoría.
The professor clearly explained his theory.
Ella expuso sus ideas durante la reunión.
She presented her ideas during the meeting.
Mnemonics
- Think 'ex-poner' as 'putting out' (ex = out, poner = to put) - you're putting something out for display or explanation.
- Sounds like 'expose' in English, which shares the same meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In academic and professional contexts, 'exponer' is frequently used to describe presenting ideas or arguments. In art contexts, it refers to exhibiting works. The term is also used in photography (exposure) and in contexts of risk or vulnerability.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Exponer' means 'to expose/exhibit/explain' while 'poner' simply means 'to put/place'. 'Exponer' is derived from 'poner' with the prefix 'ex-' adding the sense of 'outward' or 'thoroughly'.
This word:
El artista expone sus cuadros en el museo.
The artist exhibits his paintings in the museum.
Notes: The past participle of 'exponer' is irregular: 'expuesto', while for 'poner' it's 'puesto'.
Mnemonic: 'Exponer' has the extra 'ex' which gives it the extra meaning of putting something out for others.
Explanation: While both can mean 'to explain', 'exponer' has broader meanings including 'to exhibit' or 'to expose', whereas 'explicar' is more specifically about making something clear or understandable.
Confused word:
El profesor explicó el problema paso a paso.
The professor explained the problem step by step.
Notes: 'Exponer' often implies presenting or setting forth, while 'explicar' focuses on clarifying or making comprehensible.
Mnemonic: Think of 'explicar' as being more explicit (they share the same root), while 'exponer' is about exposing or putting forward ideas.