display

1.verbtransitiveB1

Definition

to put things such as products, artworks, or collected items somewhere the public can see them, for instance in a shop window, a museum case, or at a fair.

Example

The museum displayed ancient pottery from the Han dynasty in glass cases.

passive or active arrangement for public viewing

Local artists displayed their paintings at the community centre last weekend.

Common collocations

display goods
display artwork
display products
display items
display collection

Synonyms

exhibit
more formal; strongly associated with art galleries and museums
show
more general; used for any act of making something visible
present
suggests a formal or prepared demonstration, often with explanation

Antonyms

hide
to put something where it cannot be seen

Grammar Patterns

display + noun phrase (object on show)

Usage Note

Common collocations include display goods/products in a shop and display artwork in a gallery or museum. The object is typically a collection or set of items, not a single small object.

Common Mistakes

I displayed my new phone to my friends.

I showed my new phone to my friends.

'display' suggests a formal or public arrangement, not casual showing to friends.

2.verbtransitiveB2

Definition

to let other people see a particular emotion, attitude, or quality through your words, behaviour, or facial expression — for example, displaying courage during a crisis or anger at an unfair decision.

Example

Despite the pain, Nellie displayed remarkable courage throughout her recovery.

display + abstract noun (courage/emotion)

The young boy displayed great excitement when he opened his birthday presents.

Common collocations

display courage
display emotion
display anger
display affection
display sympathy

Synonyms

show
more general and less formal; works in everyday speech
demonstrate
stronger implication that the quality is proven through action
exhibit
slightly formal; suggests the quality is clearly visible to others

Antonyms

hide
to keep an emotion or quality from being seen
conceal
to deliberately prevent others from seeing a feeling

Grammar Patterns

display + abstract noun (emotion/quality)

Usage Note

Subject is typically a person or group. The object is almost always an abstract noun such as courage, emotion, anger, excitement, sympathy, or affection. Frequently used in formal or written contexts.

Common Mistakes

He displayed me his new watch.

He showed me his new watch.

'display' cannot take an indirect object (the person); use 'show' for the 'show someone something' pattern.

3.verbtransitive / intransitiveA2

Definition

to make words, images, or information appear on a digital screen such as a computer monitor, phone, or television; or for something to appear there.

Example

The error message displayed a warning about low battery power on the phone.

transitive: device/person + displays + information

Kian's smart watch displays his step count and heart rate all day long.

Common collocations

display information
display results
display an image
display a message
display data

Synonyms

show
more general; 'show' can mean any method of presentation, not just on a screen
indicate
suggests the screen gives a specific reading or measurement

Grammar Patterns

display + noun phrase; display on + screen/device

Usage Note

Often used in the passive: 'The information is displayed on the screen.' Can be used intransitively in technical contexts: 'The warning displays at the top of the page.'

1.nounB1

Definition

things that are placed somewhere so the public can see them, or a show put on for an audience — for instance, goods in a shop window, artefacts in a museum, or a fireworks show at a festival.

Example

The museum's new display of Egyptian artefacts attracted huge crowds all week.

display of + collection/items

A beautiful display of seasonal flowers filled the main square in spring.

Common collocations

window display
museum display
art display
fireworks display
flower display
on display

Synonyms

exhibition
more formal; usually implies a planned event in a gallery or museum
show
broader; can refer to any event where things are presented
exhibit
usually refers to a single item or a small group within a larger display

Grammar Patterns

a display of + noun

Usage Note

Often used with 'on': 'The paintings are on display at the gallery.' 'Window display' and 'fireworks display' are common compound nouns.

2.nounB2

Definition

a moment when someone's feelings, attitudes, or inner qualities become visible to other people through their words, actions, or facial expression.

Example

His public display of anger embarrassed everyone in the meeting room.

display of + emotion (anger/affection/grief)

Saira's display of affection toward the stray kitten warmed everyone's hearts.

Common collocations

public display
display of emotion
display of affection
display of anger
display of grief

Synonyms

show
more general and less formal; 'a show of emotion' is less intense
demonstration
suggests a deliberate, often physical, expression of a quality
outburst
implies a sudden, uncontrolled display, often negative

Antonyms

restraint
the act of holding back one's feelings

Grammar Patterns

a display of + emotion noun

Usage Note

Commonly followed by 'of' plus an abstract noun: a display of affection, a display of strength, a display of grief. Often carries a nuance that the emotion is being shown outwardly and noticeably.

3.nounA2

Definition

the part of a gadget like a computer, phone, tablet, or television where words, numbers, and pictures appear visually.

Example

The new tablet has a bright display that is easy to read outdoors.

adjective + display (bright/colour/HD)

Dario's computer display suddenly went black in the middle of his work.

Common collocations

LCD display
digital display
touchscreen display
colour display
screen display

Synonyms

screen
more common in everyday speech; 'screen' is simpler and more general
monitor
specifically refers to a standalone computer display unit

Grammar Patterns

adjective + display

Usage Note

In technology contexts, 'display' can refer to either the screen itself or the image shown on it. 'LCD display', 'OLED display', and 'touchscreen display' are common technical compounds.

Common Mistakes

I bought a new display for my computer.' (when meaning a whole monitor)

I bought a new monitor for my computer.

'display' usually refers to the screen component; 'monitor' is the preferred term for the whole unit.

Word family

displayed
adjectiveB2
displayable
adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

These four verbs all mean making something visible to others, but they differ in formality and context. 'Display' emphasises arranging items attractively so people can see them, especially in shops, museums, or exhibitions — you display goods in a window or artefacts in a case. 'Exhibit' is more formal and strongly associated with museums and galleries; artists exhibit their work, and a museum exhibits artefacts. 'Show' is the most general word, suitable for any situation where one person makes something visible to another — you show a photo to a friend or show someone how a gadget works. 'Present' suggests a formal, often prepared, act of showing with explanation, such as presenting research findings at a conference. For everyday use, 'show' works in most contexts; for professional or retail settings, 'display' or 'exhibit' sound more appropriate.

display ↗exhibit ↗show ↗present ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

on display
in full display
put on display

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'display' entered English from Old French 'despleier', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to spread out'. This came from Latin 'displicare', literally 'to scatter' or 'to spread apart'. The original sense of unfolding something so it could be seen led to the modern meaning of arranging things for people to look at. The use related to screens and digital devices appeared in the 20th century as electronic displays became common.

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display

display — verb

1. to put things such as products, artworks, or collected items somewhere the publi

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

2. to let other people see a particular emotion, attitude, or quality through your

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

3. to make words, images, or information appear on a digital screen such as a compu

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

display — noun

1. things that are placed somewhere so the public can see them, or a show put on fo

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

2. a moment when someone's feelings, attitudes, or inner qualities become visible t

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

3. the part of a gadget like a computer, phone, tablet, or television where words,

Grammar Patterns

Usage Note

Common Mistakes

Word family

Synonym discussion

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

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