English Profile

display · noun

/dɪˈspleɪ/Full view

display (ARRANGEMENT)

B1 C a collection of objects or pictures arranged for people to look at

Dictionary example:

a display of children's paintings

Learner example:

I decided to visit a museum which has a special display on Friday. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

on display ()

B1 If something is on display, it is there for people to look at.

Dictionary example:

Many old airplanes are on display at the museum.

Learner example:

There were some new musical instruments on display. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

display (ON SCREEN)

B1 C or U when something is shown electronically such as on a computer screen

Dictionary example:

The display problems might be due to a shortage of disk space.

Learner example:

The phone has many facilities like games and color display. (Key English Test; A2; Arabic)

display (SHOW)

B2 C a performance or show for people to watch

Dictionary example:

a fireworks display

Learner example:

Lastly, the fireworks display was wonderful and there were more than 5000 spectators who enjoyed themselves. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

a display of affection/anger, etc.

C2 when someone behaves in a way that shows they have a particular feeling or attitude

Dictionary example:

The politicians shook hands in a display of unity for the media.

Learner example:

That is the reason why Charles is annoyed by her occasional urgent displays of affection. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

display · verb

/dɪˈspleɪ/

display (ARRANGE)

B1 T to arrange something somewhere so that people can see it

Dictionary example:

Family photographs were displayed on the wall.

Learner example:

The problem [with] some museums is that the way in which the pieces of art are displayed is not right. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

display (ON SCREEN)

B2 I or T to show something electronically such as on a computer screen

Dictionary example:

The text can be displayed and edited on screen.

Learner example:

The timetable is hidden somewhere in a submenu which, I think, should be displayed on the main page. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

display (FEELING)

C2 T to show how you feel by your expression or behavior

Dictionary example:

He doesn’t display much emotion.

Learner example:

The above feeling demonstrates about Okonkwo his constant anxiety to demonstrate - he and his son - constant manliness and [t]o not display any feeling of love, gentle[ne]ss and support even to his own children. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)