What is display? Pronunciation and usage in English

display means . Learn how to pronounce and use display through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of display

displayverb/noun

/dɪˈspleɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of display

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "display" in English. Here's a breakdown with different ways to think about it:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ˈdɪspleɪ (This is the most frequent way Americans and many British speakers pronounce it.)

    • ˈdis – This part sounds like "dis" in "disappointment." It's a relatively short, clipped sound.
    • pleɪ – This sounds like "play." The "ay" sound is like in "say" or "day."

A More Formal/British Pronunciation:

  • dɪsˈpleɪ (This is heard more often in British English.)

    • The stress (indicated by the /ˈ/) is on the second syllable ("pleɪ"). So you emphasize that syllable a bit more.

Tips and Breakdown of Sounds:

  1. "dis": Think of the quick, short "dis" sound as in "dishes" but even shorter.

  2. "play": This is the key. Make sure you are clearly saying the "ay" sound.

  3. Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("dis"). This is what often differentiates the pronunciation.

Resources to Listen:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce display" on Google and you'll find audio examples from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, and other reputable sources.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/display/ – This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from/what accent are you trying to achieve? (e.g., American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word display in English

Let's break down how to use the word "display" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized with examples:

1. To Show or Exhibit (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To make something visible or apparent; to present something for observation.
  • Usage: This is the most frequent way "display" is used.
  • Examples:
    • "The museum displays ancient artifacts." (Showing them for people to see)
    • "She displayed her artwork in the gallery." (Presenting her paintings)
    • "He displayed his trophy proudly." (Making it visible)
    • "The sign displayed the price of the item." (Showing the price visually)

2. To Reveal or Manifest (Emotion, Quality)

  • Meaning: To make something evident or apparent, often an emotion, feeling, or talent.
  • Usage: Often used with verbs like "show," "reveal," "demonstrate," “exhibit”
  • Examples:
    • "She displayed great courage during the crisis." (Revealing her courage)
    • “He displayed a remarkable talent for music.” (Manifesting his talent)
    • "The dog displayed signs of anxiety." (Showing signs of worry)
    • “The speaker displayed enthusiasm for the project.” (showing enthusiasm)

3. A Device for Showing Information (Technology)

  • Meaning: A screen or device for presenting information visually.
  • Usage: Commonly used with computers, phones, etc.
  • Examples:
    • "The monitor displays the video." (Shows the video on the screen)
    • "The dashboard displays important statistics." (Shows the data on a screen)
    • "His phone displays the incoming call." (Shows the call on the screen)
    • "The screen displays a map of the city."

4. To Arrange (Appearance)

  • Meaning: To arrange things in a particular way, often for visual effect.
  • Usage: More formal, often used with clothing or objects.
  • Examples:
    • "The bride displayed her beautiful gown." (Arranged/presented her dress)
    • "The window displays the latest fashions." (Arranging items for display)
    • "The company displays its products in a sophisticated manner.” (Arranging products neatly)

5. (More Formal/Legal) To Present as Evidence

  • Meaning: To formally present something as proof in a legal setting.
  • Usage: Rarely used in everyday conversation.
  • Example:
    • "The defense attorney will display the witness’s testimony."

Key Phrases & Variations:

  • "Display a…" (often followed by a quality or emotion): “She displayed kindness.” “He displayed intelligence.”
  • "Display something to someone...": "She displayed her painting to the art critic."
  • "Displaying..." (gerund - used as a noun): "The exhibition is famed for its displays."

Tips for Using "Display" Correctly:

  • Context is key. The meaning of "display" is heavily influenced by the surrounding words.
  • Consider the object being displayed. Is it an artifact, an emotion, a piece of technology, or a collection of items?

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking of where you want to use the word "display"? (e.g., writing a story, describing a museum, talking about technology, etc.)

Synonyms for the word display

Comment ()