expository
Intended to explain or describe something clearly
Examples
In a meeting
“We need the opening section to be more expository so new stakeholders can follow along.”
Over coffee
“The first chapter was purely expository, just setting up the world.”
Why this word
explanatory
expository is the formal term for writing that explains or informs systematically, while explanatory just means providing explanation
informative
expository specifically describes a mode of discourse focused on explaining facts or ideas, while informative broadly means providing information
descriptive
expository involves explaining how or why something works, while descriptive focuses on detailing what something is like
Usage tip
Use to describe writing or speaking whose primary purpose is to explain or inform rather than persuade or entertain.
Etymology
Latin: exponere (to set forth, explain) from ex- (out) + ponere (to place)
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Related words
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
illuminate
Make something clear or easier to understand
abbreviate
Shorten a word, phrase, or text
demystify
To make something easier to understand by removing complexity or confusion
analogize
To draw a comparison or parallel between two things to explain or clarify
prolixity
The quality of using too many words; excessive wordiness