display

[dih-spley]

verb (used with object)

1. to show or exhibit; make visible.

   to display a sign.

   Antonyms: conceal

2. to reveal; betray.

   to display fear.

   Antonyms: conceal

3. to unfold; open out; spread out.

   to display a sail.

4. to show ostentatiously; flaunt.

   Synonyms: air, parade, flourish

5. Printing.,  to give special prominence to (words, captions, etc.) by choice, size, and arrangement of type.

6. Digital Technology.,  to output (data) on a screen.

verb (used without object)

1. (of animals) to engage in a stereotyped behavior that conveys information to individuals of the same or another species.

noun

1. an act or instance of displaying; exhibition.

   a display of courage.

2. an ostentatious show.

   a vulgar display of wealth.

3. Printing.

   1. the giving of prominence to particular words, sentences, etc., by the choice, size, and arrangement of types and position, as in an advertisement, headline, or news story.

   2. printed matter thus displayed.

4. an arrangement, as of merchandise, art objects, or flowers, designed to please the eye, attract buyers, etc.

5. Digital Technology.

   1. the visual representation of the output of an electronic device.

   2. the portion of an electronic device that shows this representation, as a screen, lens, or reticle.

6. Animal Behavior.

   1. a pattern of behavior, as posturing, calling, or exposing a color patch, that conveys information to individuals of the same or another species.

      a threat display.

   2. an instance of such behavior.

display

/ dɪˈspleɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to show or make visible

2. (tr) to disclose or make evident; reveal

   to display anger

3. (tr) to flaunt in an ostentatious way

   to display military might

4. (tr) to spread or open out; unfurl or unfold

5. (tr) to give prominence to (headings, captions, etc) by the use of certain typefaces

6. (intr) zoology to engage in a display

noun

1. the act of exhibiting or displaying; show

   a display of fear

2. something exhibited or displayed

3. an ostentatious or pretentious exhibition

   a display of his accomplishments

4. 1. an arrangement of certain typefaces to give prominence to headings, captions, advertisements, etc

   2. printed matter that is eye-catching

5. electronics

   1. a device capable of representing information visually, as on a cathode-ray tube screen

   2. the information so presented

6. zoology a pattern of behaviour in birds, fishes, etc, by which the animal attracts attention while it is courting the female, defending its territory, etc

7. (modifier) relating to or using typefaces that give prominence to the words they are used to set

Other Word Forms

• displayer noun
• predisplay noun
• redisplay verb (used with object)
• self-display noun
• undisplaying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of display¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English desplayen, displayen, from Anglo-French, Old French despleier, desplier, desploier, from Late Latin displicāre “to unfold”; dis- ¹, -fold

Word History and Origins

Origin of display¹

C14: from Anglo-French despleier to unfold, from Late Latin displicāre to scatter, from _dis- ¹ + plicāre to fold

Synonym Study

Display, evince, exhibit, manifest mean to show or bring to the attention of another or others. To display is literally to spread something out so that it may be most completely and favorably seen: to display goods for sale. To exhibit is to display something in a show: to exhibit the best flowers. They may both be used for showing (off ) one's qualities or feelings: He displayed his wit. He exhibited great surprise. To evince and to manifest also mean to show feelings or qualities: to evince or manifest surprise, interest.

Example Sentences

He apologised to them for the "bravado" displayed by the defendants who smiled and laughed as they were sent down.

From BBC

The European Commission said on Friday the tech giant had breached competition laws by favouring its own products for displaying online ads, to the detriment of rivals.

From BBC

Known for being a bargain stop for cosmetics and beauty products, including big tubs of popular moisturisers and conditioners displayed on floor-to-ceiling shelves, the firm has about 1,500 employees.

From BBC

The White House insisted the timing was merely a coincidence and the display was to honor Karol Nawrocki, the far-right Polish president who was visiting Wednesday.

From Salon

The phrase worked almost like those self-esteem cassette tapes I used to see in bookstore displays as a kid: corny, repetitive, weirdly powerful — a kind of culinary manifestation.

From Salon

Related Words

• advertise 
• boast 
• demonstrate 
• disclose 
• emblazon 
• exhibit 
• expose 
• feature 
• flash 
• flaunt 
• illustrate 
• open 
• perform 
• present 
• promote 
• publish 
• represent 
• reveal 
• unveil 

When To Use

What does display mean?

To display is to make visible or show to others, as in Francis’s teacher displayed his homework on the “Good Job!” board.A display is an arrangement or showing, as in The art display included paintings and sketches by the famous artist.To display can also mean to reveal or betray, as when you display your feelings with the look on your face.Less commonly, to display means to unfold or spread out, the way a sail does in the wind.Example: We bought the display model so we ended up saving a few dollars.