exponer

Exponer is a Spanish verb with several related senses depending on the context. It commonly means to reveal or uncover something that was hidden, to display or exhibit objects, or to present or lay out an argument, idea, or plan. It can also mean to subject someone or something to risk or experience, as in exponer a alguien a un peligro. In reflexive use, exponerse means to expose oneself to something or to put oneself at risk.

Etymology: the verb comes from Latin exponere, from ex- “out” + ponere “to place,” passing into Spanish through Old Spanish.

Usage notes: To reveal a lie or hidden truth: exponer una mentira. To display artworks: exponer obras en un museo. To present an argument, theory, or plan: exponer un argumento, exponer una teoría, exponer un plan. To subject someone to risk or hazard: exponer a alguien a un peligro; to expose someone to radiation or weather. The reflexive form: exponerse a un riesgo, exponerse a la intemperie.

Conjugation note: Exponer is irregular in several tenses. Present indicative: expongo, expones, expone, exponemos, exponéis, exponen. Preterite: expuse, expusiste, expuso, expusimos, expusisteis, expusieron. Subjunctive present: exponga, expongas, exponga, expongamos, expongáis, expongan.

Noun form and related terms: exposición means exhibition or display, and also an explanation in some contexts. Related verbs include proponer (to propose) and, in contrast, mostrar (to show).

Examples: El informe expone los hallazgos. El museo expondrá las obras mañana. Expón tu plan ante el comité. Exponerse a la radiación debe evitarse.