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

Derived Forms

• disˈplayer, noun

Other Words From

• dis·player noun
• predis·play noun verb (used with object)
• redis·play verb (used with object)
• self-dis·play noun
• undis·playing 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

Ms Gunston, of Bexhill, East Sussex, is now calling for a law to require the owners of certain dog breeds to display a sign outside their house to warn people.

From BBC

Any perceived display of liberal bias was quickly attacked, so the media got the message and gradually acquiesced until liberals and their point of view were marginalized.

From Salon

He said these were to: "Preserve intact his unique collection, to keep every single piece on public display together, and to ensure the collection would remain an inspiration and education for future generations."

From BBC

The anti-woke attitude may be what appealed most to Trump, who wants to fire generals who display insufficient loyalty to him.

From Slate

The foundation said Sir Percival wanted his private collection to be on public display to inspire and educate future generations.

From BBC

Related Words

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