exhibit
B2Formal, Academic, Legal
Definition
Meaning
to show something publicly for people to look at.
1. (noun) an object or collection of objects shown in a museum, gallery, or court. 2. (verb) to show a particular quality, emotion, or symptom.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it often implies a formal or public display. As a noun, it is a countable item within a larger collection or display.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun usage: In legal contexts (esp. US), items of evidence are formally labelled 'Exhibit A', 'Exhibit B', etc. This is less frequent in UK courts, where 'item of evidence' or 'production' is often used. The verb is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a formal, official, or curated connotation in both varieties. In museums, an 'exhibit' suggests a carefully prepared display.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to its common use in legal terminology and business contexts (e.g., trade exhibits).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] exhibit [object] (e.g., The artist exhibited her paintings.)[subject] exhibit [quality] (e.g., He exhibited great courage.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Exhibit A (primary example or piece of evidence)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We will exhibit our new product line at the trade fair.
Academic
The fossils on exhibit provide evidence of the species' morphology.
Everyday
The children's art is exhibited on the classroom wall.
Technical
The patient began to exhibit neurological symptoms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gallery will exhibit works by local painters.
- He exhibited a complete lack of remorse during the trial.
American English
- The museum plans to exhibit the dinosaur skeleton next fall.
- The company exhibited its latest software at the tech conference.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form).
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form).
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard). The adjective form is 'exhibitory', which is exceedingly rare.
American English
- N/A (Not standard).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw an exhibit about space at the museum.
- The teacher exhibited the best drawings on the board.
- The new science exhibit is very popular with children.
- He exhibited signs of stress before the exam.
- The artist was invited to exhibit her sculptures in Paris.
- The data exhibits a clear correlation between the two variables.
- The prosecution entered the weapon into evidence as Exhibit 1.
- Despite the pressure, she exhibited remarkable composure throughout the negotiations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXIT the HIBIT(at) to see the EXHIBIT. You exit your usual habitat (habit) to go and see a public display.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITIES ARE VISIBLE OBJECTS (to exhibit courage = to make courage visible).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'экспонат' (which is only the noun for the displayed item). The verb 'exhibit' is broader than 'выставлять', which is more physical. 'Exhibit a quality' is better translated as 'проявлять'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'exhibit' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'There is a lot of exhibit' - incorrect). Confusing 'exhibit' (v/n) with 'exhibition' (n-only event).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'exhibit' used primarily as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Exhibit' is typically a countable item or collection within a display. 'Exhibition' refers to the entire event or large-scale public showing where multiple exhibits are presented.
Yes, it is common in formal or descriptive contexts (e.g., 'He exhibited great joy,' 'She exhibited no fear').
It is neutral but leans towards formal contexts like museums, law, science, and business. In everyday speech for simply 'showing' something, 'show' or 'display' is more common.
Stress is on the second syllable: ig-ZIB-it. The 'h' is silent.