Meaning & use
display
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To put something in a place where people can see it easily.
Grammar: Takes an object: They display the prizes in a glass case.
Patterns
- display something
- display something in/on something
- be displayed on something
The museum displays ancient coins in a special room.
She displayed her paintings on the living room wall.
The results are displayed on the screen.
verbtransitive
To show a feeling, quality, or ability through your behavior.
Grammar: Takes an object: He displayed great courage.
Patterns
- display an emotion
- display a quality
- display interest
The team displayed remarkable patience during the long delay.
He displayed no emotion when he heard the news.
She displayed a talent for music at an early age.
nouncountable
An arrangement of things for people to look at.
Grammar: Countable: a display of flowers, a window display.
Patterns
- a display of something
- on display
- a window display
There is a display of local art in the library.
The shop has a colorful window display for the holidays.
The jewels are on display in the main hall.
nouncountablecomputing
A screen that shows information, especially on an electronic device.
Grammar: Countable: a digital display, the display is broken.
Patterns
- a digital display
- on the display
- the display shows something
The phone has a bright, clear display.
The display shows the time and temperature.
He tapped the display to open the app.
Word forms
| third person singular | displays |
|---|---|
| past tense | displayed |
| past participle | displayed |
| -ing form | displaying |
| plural | displays |
Common combinations
- on display
- The new cars are on display at the showroom.
- display a lack of
- He displayed a lack of interest in the project.
- window display
- The store's window display attracted many shoppers.
- digital display
- The digital display on the clock is easy to read.
Synonyms and how they differ
- show
- Show is the general word; display often suggests putting something in a special place so it can be noticed.
- exhibit
- Exhibit is used for public shows, especially in museums or galleries; display is broader.
- demonstrate
- Demonstrate means to show clearly by giving proof or examples; display focuses on making something visible.
Opposites
Word family
- displayed adjective
- Shown or spread out to be seen.
Commonly confused: display or displace?
display vs displace
Displace means to force out of place; display means to show. They sound similar but have very different meanings.
Practice
The gallery will ______ the artist's latest works next month.
Choose one answer.
Display means to put something where people can see it. Displace means to force out of place, dispose means to get rid of, and distract means to take attention away.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “display”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.