display
/dɪˈspleɪ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A display is an arrangement of things that is made to be seen. It can be in a shop, museum, screen, or public place.
- The shop had a bright display of shoes.
- The museum display showed old coins.
- My phone screen display is very clear.
verb
If you display something, you show it so people can see it. It can also mean to show a feeling, quality, or skill clearly.
- They displayed the new products in the window.
- He displayed great courage during the match.
- She displayed anger very openly.
Adinary Nuance
Display is more public and deliberate than show. It often suggests a planned arrangement, like in a shop, museum, or on a screen. It can also mean showing a feeling or quality clearly, which sounds a little more formal than everyday show.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- trưng bày
- Spanish
- mostrar
- Chinese
- 展示
- Japanese
- 表示
- Korean
- 표시
Etymology
Display comes from Old French despleier, meaning “unfold” or “open out,” from Latin dis- + plicare. English began using it in the Middle Ages for showing things clearly.
Common phrases
on displaydisplay windowdisplay screenpublic display
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is display formal or informal?
- It is neutral, but it often sounds a little formal in writing and business contexts.
- What is the difference between display and show?
- Display suggests a planned or clear presentation. Show is more general and more common in speech.
- Can display mean a feeling?
- Yes. You can display happiness, anger, confidence, or skill.
- Is display used in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in academic and formal writing, especially for visuals and evidence.