exponent
Meaning: A person who is a skilled practitioner of an activity or a persuasive advocate of an idea or theory. In mathematics, it denotes the power to which a number is raised.
In non-mathematical usage, exponent carries a sense of mastery or excellence — calling someone an exponent of something implies they both practise and exemplify it. It is more elevated than 'supporter' and suggests active demonstration rather than passive agreement. Common in arts criticism and political commentary: 'a leading exponent of minimalism,' 'the finest exponent of her craft.'
Examples
- He was widely regarded as the foremost exponent of the English watercolour tradition. 他被广泛认为是英国水彩画传统最杰出的代表。Era considerado el exponente más destacado de la tradición acuarelista inglesa.彼はイギリス水彩画の伝統における最も傑出した代表者として広く認められていた。그는 영국 수채화 전통의 가장 뛰어난 대표자로 널리 인정받았다.
- The chancellor positioned herself as an exponent of fiscal discipline and sound money. 这位财政大臣将自己定位为财政纪律和稳健货币政策的倡导者。La canciller se posicionó como exponente de la disciplina fiscal y la moneda fuerte.その財務大臣は財政規律と健全な通貨政策の提唱者として自らを位置づけた。그 재무장관은 재정 규율과 건전 통화의 주창자로 스스로를 자리매김했다.
- Jazz lost one of its greatest exponents when the saxophonist died last year. 去年这位萨克斯演奏家去世时,爵士乐失去了最伟大的践行者之一。El jazz perdió a uno de sus más grandes exponentes cuando el saxofonista falleció el año pasado.昨年そのサクソフォン奏者が亡くなった時、ジャズは最も偉大な体現者の一人を失った。작년에 그 색소폰 연주자가 세상을 떠나면서 재즈는 가장 위대한 체현자 중 한 명을 잃었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, journalism, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin exponentem, present participle of exponere (to put forth, explain), from ex- (out) + ponere (to place). The mathematical sense emerged in the 17th century; the 'practitioner' sense developed in the 18th.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free