expono

Expono is a Latin verb meaning to set forth, expose, display, or present. Its principal parts are exponō, exponere, exposuī, expositum. The senses cover laying something out for inspection, explaining a point, or presenting material such as an argument, evidence, or a description. In Latin prose, expono is commonly used in rhetoric, philosophy, law, and civil discourse to indicate that a proposition or set of facts is being laid out for consideration.

Etymology and meaning. The verb derives from ex- meaning “out” and ponere meaning “to place.” The literal sense is “to place out” or “to put forth,” which underpins its figurative use for explaining or displaying an idea, argument, or account.

Usage and contexts. In classical Latin, expono appears in contexts of argumentation, explanation, and description. Phrases such as exponents sententiae or exponere causas convey the act of exposing reasons or causes. The word also appears in instructional or demonstrative passages where ideas are methodically laid out for the reader or listener.

Derivatives and cognates. The Latin verb gives rise to several English terms, including exposition (the act of explaining or presenting information), expository (relating to or used for explaining), and expositor (one who explains). In mathematics, the term exponent ultimately traces to the same Latin root, through forms such as exponens, reflecting the notion of placing forth or presenting a value.

In summary, expono denotes the act of placing out what is to be explained or displayed, with enduring influence on related Latin and English terms that describe explanation, demonstration, and presentation.