Show vs. Display

synonyms

these two verbs are synonyms but have a subtle difference in their intentionality. Follow the lesson to find out about their difference.

'Show' means to demonstrate something to someone or let them see it. 'Display' means to put something in a place where others can easily see it, often for the purpose of exhibition or demonstration. In this lesson, we are going to explore their similarities and differences.

Difference

'Show' is a more general term that refers to presenting or revealing something to others and letting them see it. 'Display', on the other hand, is more specific and implies a deliberate and prominent presentation. It often refers to showing something in a public or formal setting, such as an exhibition or showcase. For example:

The teacher showed the class a video to illustrate the concept.

The graph shows the correlation between temperature and rainfall.

She displayed her trophies on a shelf in her bedroom.

The company displayed its new product at the trade show.

As you can see in the examples, 'show' involves a more active gesture in which an item is deliberately demonstrated to someone. 'Display', on the other hand, refers to an act of putting something in a place where anyone can see it and does not imply an intention for a specific person or people to see an item.

Similarity

Both 'show' and 'display' can be used to refer to making one's feeling, attitudes, or qualities clear. For example:

The actor will show a wide range of emotions in the intense and gripping scene.

The actor will display a wide range of emotions in the intense and gripping scene.

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