exhibition
UK[ˌeksɪˈbɪʃn]US[ˌeksɪˈbɪʃn]
n
a public event at which objects such as paintings are shown
n
the act of showing something in public
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
hibit
ion
ex
out
hibit
hold
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'exhibition' originates from the Latin verb exhibere, meaning "to hold forth, present, show." This verb is itself a compound of the prefix ex- (out) and habēre (to have, hold). The core concept is thus the act of "holding something out" for others to see. The noun form exhibitio (a showing) entered Middle English via Anglo-Norman French. Over time, the meaning evolved from the general act of presenting to its specific modern sense of a public display of items, such as art or artifacts, for viewing and education.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + hibit (hold) + ion (noun suffix)
- ex: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "out, out of, forth."
- hibit: Latin origin, from the root of the verb habēre (to have, hold), appearing in forms like hibitus.
- ion: Latin origin, a suffix forming nouns denoting action or condition.
Examples
The museum is hosting a major exhibition of modern sculpture.
Her work was selected for the annual photography exhibition.
The exhibition of rare manuscripts attracted scholars from around the world.