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

These “free” games display ads, often in obnoxious places, in lieu of the entry fee.

From The Daily Beast

“It seems that the different standard is (based on) the length of the beard and outwardly display of piety,” Hamdani said.

From The Daily Beast

Another 10 slaves threw themselves overboard in a display of defiance at the inhumanity.

From The Daily Beast

Promo shots for Dee Dee King, taken by famed rock photographer Bob Gruen, are also on display at the Storefront Gallery.

From The Daily Beast

He was not a man given to casual affectionate display; the moment was charged with emotion.

From The Daily Beast

Liking for a single colour is a considerably smaller display of mind than an appreciation of the relation of two colours.

From Project Gutenberg

Never before in human experience had such a display of kindly feeling and profound regret been witnessed in similar circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

There was not one of us who did not consider this meteoric display prophetic.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of these pipes are sculptured from the most obdurate stones and display great delicacy of workmanship.

From Project Gutenberg

At this exhibition I found a splendid display of crocidolite, the sight of which well repaid the visit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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