CultureAugust 18, 2026

expository

ik-SPAH-zih-tor-ee

Definition

Writing intended to explain, describe, or inform the reader about a specific subject, often grounded in facts or personal record.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'exponere,' meaning to set forth or explain. It entered Middle English through the Old French 'expositoire', maintaining the sense of providing information or interpretation.

In the news

The author contrasts the value of human-authored expository writing, such as the personal diaries of Samuel Pepys, with the output of AI models, highlighting the importance of genuine human experience in historical records.

Feeding our books into generative AI risks creating a cultural void

Read the full article ↗

New Scientist

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