display
B2Neutral (used across formal, informal, technical, and everyday contexts)
Definition
Meaning
to show or present something for people to see.
An electronic device for showing visual information; a public performance or exhibition; the way something is arranged visually.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word encompasses both the action of showing and the physical object/interface that shows something (e.g., a computer display). It often implies presentation with some degree of deliberate arrangement or effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. In computing, BrE may use 'visual display unit (VDU)' alongside 'display', while AmE predominantly uses 'display' or 'monitor'. Spelling: 'displayed/displaying' is consistent.
Connotations
Largely identical. In retail, 'display' is universally used for arranged products. In animal behaviour (e.g., a peacock's display), connotations are identical.
Frequency
Equally common and fundamental in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
display + noun (display goods)display + to + person (display to the public)be displayed + on/in/at (displayed on the screen)noun + of + display (a display of courage)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a (fine/brave/sad) display of...”
- “to make a display of oneself (to draw attention, often negative)”
- “on public display”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to product presentation in retail, data visualisation in reports, or showcasing features.
Academic
Used in discussions of art exhibitions, scientific data presentation, or animal behaviour.
Everyday
Common for discussing screens (phone, TV), shop windows, or showing emotions.
Technical
Specifically refers to electronic output devices (LED, OLED displays) and GUI elements.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gallery will display the new acquisitions from next week.
- He displayed remarkable courage during the crisis.
American English
- The museum is displaying artifacts from the colonial period.
- She displayed her trophy proudly on the mantel.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shop has a beautiful display in the window.
- My phone has a big display.
- The artist's work is displayed in a local gallery.
- The football team put on a fantastic display.
- The data was clearly displayed in a series of charts.
- His sudden display of anger surprised everyone.
- The bird's elaborate courtship display is a fascinating example of evolutionary adaptation.
- The interface allows users to customise how information is displayed.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DISPLAY case in a museum: you DIS-play treasures to see-PLAY with light and arrangement.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / COMMUNICATION IS SHOWING (e.g., 'display your results' makes information visible to the mind).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'дисплей' in all contexts; 'дисплей' is only for screens, while 'display' is broader.
- The verb 'display' is more active/organised than simple 'показывать'.
- Avoid calquing 'make a display' as 'делать дисплей'; use 'устраивать показ' or 'демонстрировать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'display' as a countable noun for all screens (non-native: 'I bought a new computer display' – acceptable but 'monitor' or 'screen' is often more natural).
- Overusing the verb where 'show' is sufficient (e.g., 'He displayed me his phone' is unnatural; use 'showed').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'display' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, but it can be used metaphorically for non-visual shows (e.g., 'a display of wit').
'Display' often implies careful arrangement or public presentation, while 'show' is more general and common.
Not traditionally. It's used as a noun modifier (e.g., display cabinet), which functions similarly but is not a pure adjective.
Both. It can mean the physical screen (device) or the visual information shown on it (output).