Meaning & use
public displays
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“public displays” is a form of “public display”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
occasions when something is shown or expressed openly in a place where other people can see it
Grammar: The singular is 'public display'; use the plural when talking about more than one event or type of showing.
Patterns
- public displays of something
- public displays of affection
- put on public displays
The museum hosts public displays of local art every summer.
Some people find public displays of affection uncomfortable.
The city is known for its public displays of fireworks on New Year's Eve.
nounplural
acts of showing strong feelings, especially love or anger, in front of other people
Grammar: Often used in the fixed phrase 'public displays of affection' (PDA), which is uncountable in that phrase.
Patterns
- public displays of affection
- public displays of emotion
- public displays of anger
The couple was criticized for their public displays of affection at the office.
He is not given to public displays of emotion.
Public displays of anger are considered unprofessional in many workplaces.
Word forms
| singular | public display |
|---|
Common combinations
- public displays of affection
- The school has a rule against public displays of affection.
- public displays of emotion
- He rarely makes public displays of emotion.
- public displays of anger
- Her public displays of anger embarrassed her colleagues.
- public displays of art
- The festival includes public displays of art around the city.
Synonyms and how they differ
- exhibitions
- More formal and usually refers to organized shows in a venue, while 'public displays' can be any open showing.
- demonstrations
- Often implies a show of feeling or protest, and can be more forceful than a simple display.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: public displays or public display?
public displays vs public display
This is the singular form; use it when referring to one event or one type of showing, and 'public displays' for more than one.
Practice
The couple's ______ of affection made everyone at the party feel awkward.
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'public display of affection' is a fixed singular noun phrase. 'Public displays' would need a plural verb or a different context, and 'publicly display' and 'public displaying' are not noun phrases that fit after 'couple's'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “public displays”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.