Display vs. Show — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Display emphasizes the act of presenting something in a noticeable manner, while show involves revealing or making something clear to someone.
Difference Between Display and Show
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Display usually refers to the act of presenting or arranging something visually to attract attention or for public view, often in a detailed or organized manner. It can involve a deliberate effort to highlight features, aesthetics, or information. On the other hand, show encompasses a broader range of revealing or demonstrating something to someone. It can be more casual or interactive, involving any act of making something clear or evident.
For instance, museums display artifacts to share knowledge and culture, while stores might display merchandise to entice customers. Teachers show students how to solve a problem, indicating a process or providing guidance. Similarly, a friend might show another the way to a new café, focusing on the act of guiding or instructing.
Displays are often associated with visual presentations designed to inform or advertise, like digital screens or exhibition stands. These are static or multimedia presentations curated to convey specific messages or themes, emphasizing formality and preparation. Whereas shows often imply action or performance, ranging from displaying emotions to demonstrating a skill or hosting an event. This can include everything from a magic show to a fashion show, where the emphasis is on the dynamics, engagement, and entertainment.
In terms of usage, "display" can also suggest a level of formality or arrangement. For instance, a meticulously arranged display of products in a storefront is crafted to showcase items in the best possible light, suggesting careful planning and design. Show, however, suggests an element of demonstration or explanation. For example, a chef may show how to prepare a dish, implying a step-by-step guide or revealing specific techniques, which focuses more on the educational or experiential aspect rather than just visual appeal.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To present or arrange for public view.
To reveal or demonstrate.
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Method
Often visual, emphasizing arrangement.
Can be verbal, visual, or physical.
Context
Exhibitions, advertisements, digital screens.
Demonstrations, performances, instructions.
Emphasis
Aesthetics, information, organization.
Action, engagement, education.
Interaction Level
Usually static or multimedia presentations.
Often involves interaction or performance.
Compare with Definitions
Display
Visual Presentation.
The museum's display of ancient artifacts was both educational and mesmerizing.
Show
Performance or Presentation.
The magic show captivated the audience with its surprising tricks.
Display
Electronic Screen Output.
The high-resolution display of the device makes images and text exceptionally clear.
Show
Reveal or Make Clear.
The documentary aims to show the challenges faced by wildlife in urban areas.
Display
Public Exhibition.
The art gallery's new display features contemporary sculptures from local artists.
Show
Demonstrate or Explain.
The chef will show how to prepare the dish during the cooking class.
Display
Attract attention by displaying some body part or posing; of animals
Show
Exhibition or Broadcast.
The new drama show airs every Friday night at 8 PM.
Display
Organized Arrangement.
The store's window display attracted many shoppers with its vibrant colors and thematic design.
Show
Guide or Direct.
Can you show me the way to the nearest subway station?.
Display
Act of Showing Emotion.
His display of gratitude was heartfelt and sincere.
Show
To cause or allow to be seen; display
Showed us his tattoo.
Display
To present to view; cause to be seen
The doctor displayed her diploma on the wall of her office. The autumn woods display a wide array of colors.
Show
To display for sale, in exhibition, or in competition
Showed her most recent paintings.
Display
To show (images or information) on a screen
The time is displayed on the bottom right corner of the computer monitor.
Show
To permit access to (a house, for example) when offering for sale or rent.
Display
To exhibit ostentatiously; show off
Garish hosts who display their wealth whenever guests come over.
Show
To conduct; guide
Showed them to the table.
Display
To be or give evidence of; manifest or reveal
Writing that displays broad knowledge.
A decision that displays poor judgment.
Show
To direct one's attention to; point out
Showed them the city's historical sites.
Display
To spread out; unfurl
The peacock displayed its fan.
Show
To make evident or reveal (an emotion or condition, for example)
Showed displeasure at his remark.
A carpet that shows wear.
Display
(Biochemistry) To position (a protein, for example) on the surface of a biological entity such as a virus
Proteins displayed on a bacteriophage.
Show
To reveal (oneself) as in one's behavior or condition
The old boat showed itself to be seaworthy.
Display
(Zoology) To exhibit a behavioral display.
Show
To indicate; register
The altimeter showed that the plane was descending.
Display
The act of displaying.
Show
To demonstrate by reasoning or procedure
Showed that the hypothesis was wrong.
A film that showed how to tune a piano.
Display
Ostentatious exhibition
An attention-seeker who was fond of display.
Show
To demonstrate to by reasoning or procedure; inform or prove to
Showed him how to fix the camera.
Showed her that it could really happen.
Display
A public exhibition.
Show
To grant; bestow
Showed no mercy to the traitors.
Display
Objects or merchandise set out for viewing by the public.
Show
To be or become visible or evident
Concern showed in his face.
Display
A demonstration or manifestation
A display of temper.
Show
(Slang) To make an appearance; show up
Didn't show for her appointment.
Display
(Zoology) A specialized pattern of behavior used to communicate visually, such as the presentation of colors or plumage by male birds as part of courtship or intimidation.
Show
To be exhibited publicly
What's showing at the movie theater tonight?.
Display
An instance of such behavior.
Show
To give a performance or present an exhibition
Which artist is showing in the gallery?.
Display
An advertisement or headline designed to catch the eye.
Show
(Sports) To finish third or better in a horserace or dog race.
Display
An electronic device, such as a computer monitor or cellphone screen, that presents information in a visual form.
Show
A display; a manifestation
Made a show of strength.
Display
(Biochemistry) An in vitro method by which genetically engineered proteins are placed on the surface of a biological entity (such as a bacteriophage, yeast, or ribosome) so that the properties of these proteins and those they bind to can be analyzed and manipulated for research purposes.
Show
A trace or indication, as of oil in a well.
Display
A show or spectacle.
The trapeze artist put on an amazing acrobatic display.
Show
A false appearance; a pretense
Only a show of kindness.
Display
A piece of work to be presented visually.
Pupils are expected to produce a wall display about a country of their choice.
Show
A striking appearance or display; a spectacle.
Display
A device, furniture or marketing-oriented bulk packaging for visual presentation for sales promotion.
Show
A pompous or ostentatious display.
Display
(computing) An electronic screen that shows graphics or text.
Show
Display or outward appearance
This antique tea service is just for show. His smile was for show.
Display
(computing) The presentation of information for visual or tactile reception.
Show
A public exhibition or entertainment.
Display
(transitive) To show conspicuously; to exhibit; to demonstrate; to manifest.
Show
An exposition for the display or demonstration of commercial products
An auto show.
Display
(intransitive) To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration.
Show
A usually competitive exhibition of domestic animals
Won first place at the cat show.
Display
(military) To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line, deploy.
Show
A radio or television program.
Display
To make conspicuous by using large or prominent type.
Show
A movie.
Display
(obsolete) To discover; to descry.
Show
A theatrical troupe or company.
Display
(obsolete) To spread out, to unfurl.
Show
(Informal) An affair or undertaking
Ran the whole show.
Display
To unfold; to spread wide; to expand; to stretch out; to spread.
The northern wind his wings did broad display.
Show
(Sports) Third place at the finish, as in a horserace.
Display
To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line.
Show
(transitive) To display, to have somebody see (something).
The car's dull finish showed years of neglect.
All he had to show for four years of attendance at college was a framed piece of paper.
Display
To spread before the view; to show; to exhibit to the sight, or to the mind; to make manifest.
His statement . . . displays very clearly the actual condition of the army.
Show
(transitive) To bestow; to confer.
Display
To make an exhibition of; to set in view conspicuously or ostentatiously; to exhibit for the sake of publicity; to parade.
Proudly displaying the insignia of their order.
Show
(transitive) To indicate (a fact) to be true; to demonstrate.
Display
To make conspicuous by large or prominent type.
Show
(transitive) To guide or escort.
Could you please show him on his way. He has overstayed his welcome.
They showed us in.
Display
To discover; to descry.
And from his seat took pleasure to displayThe city so adorned with towers.
Show
(intransitive) To be visible; to be seen; to appear.
Your bald patch is starting to show.
At length, his gloom showed.
Display
To output (results or data) in a visible manner on the screen of a monitor, CRT, or other device.
Show
To put in an appearance; show up.
We waited for an hour, but they never showed.
Display
To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration.
Show
To have an enlarged belly and thus be recognizable as pregnant.
Display
An opening or unfolding; exhibition; manifestation.
Having witnessed displays of his power and grace.
Show
To finish third, especially of horses or dogs.
In the third race: Aces Up won, paying eight dollars; Blarney Stone placed, paying three dollars; and Cinnamon showed, paying five dollars.
Display
Ostentatious show; exhibition for effect; parade.
He died, as erring man should die,Without display, without parade.
Show
To reveal one's hand of cards.
Display
An electronic device on which the output signal of another electronic device may be presented in a visual form; - also called display device. Typically the display device it is the screen of a cathode-ray tube, as in a computer monitor, but other forms of visual display such as LED or liquid crystal devices are also used. The printed output from a computer or other device is not considered as a display.
Show
(obsolete) To have a certain appearance, such as well or ill, fit or unfit; to become or suit; to appear.
Display
The output signal from a computer program, displayed on a display device. The displayed signal may consist of letters, numbers, or any graphical image.
Show
(countable) A play, dance, or other entertainment.
There were a thousand people at the show.
Display
A pattern of behavior, such as showing a body part to another animal, by which one animal conveys information to another, as for mating or defense.
Show
(countable) An exhibition of items.
Art show;
Dog show
Display
Something intended to communicate a particular impression;
Made a display of strength
A show of impatience
A good show of looking interested
Show
(countable) A broadcast program, especially a light entertainment program.
Radio show;
Television show
They performed in the show.
I spotted my neighbour on the morning TV show.
Display
Something shown to the public;
The museum had many exhibits of oriental art
Show
(countable) A movie.
Let's catch a show.
Display
An electronic device that represents information in visual form
Show
An agricultural show.
I'm taking the kids to the show on Tuesday.
Display
A visual representation of something
Show
A project or presentation.
Let's get on with the show.
Let's get this show on the road.
They went on an international road show to sell the shares to investors.
It was Apple's usual dog and pony show.
Display
Behavior that makes your feelings public;
A display of emotion
Show
(countable) A demonstration.
Show of force
Display
Exhibiting openly in public view;
A display of courage
Show
(uncountable) Mere display or pomp with no substance. (Usually seen in the phrases "all show" and "for show".)
The dog sounds ferocious but it's all show.
Display
To show, make visible or apparent;
The Metropolitan Museum is exhibiting Goya's works this month
Why don't you show your nice legs and wear shorter skirts?
National leaders will have to display the highest skills of statesmanship
Show
Outward appearance; wileful or deceptive appearance.
Display
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Show
The major leagues.
He played AA ball for years, but never made it to the show.
Show
A pale blue flame at the top of a candle flame, indicating the presence of firedamp.
Show
(archaic) Pretence.
Show
(archaic) Sign, token, or indication.
Show
(obsolete) Semblance; likeness; appearance.
Show
(obsolete) Plausibility.
Show
A battle; local conflict.
Show
To exhibit or present to view; to place in sight; to display; - the thing exhibited being the object, and often with an indirect object denoting the person or thing seeing or beholding; as, to show a house; show your colors; shopkeepers show customers goods (show goods to customers).
Go thy way, shew thyself to the priest.
Nor want we skill or art from whence to raiseMagnificence; and what can heaven show more?
Show
To exhibit to the mental view; to tell; to disclose; to reveal; to make known; as, to show one's designs.
Shew them the way wherein they must walk.
If it please my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away.
Show
Specifically, to make known the way to (a person); hence, to direct; to guide; to asher; to conduct; as, to show a person into a parlor; to show one to the door.
Show
To make apparent or clear, as by evidence, testimony, or reasoning; to prove; to explain; also, to manifest; to evince; as, to show the truth of a statement; to show the causes of an event.
I 'll show my duty by my timely care.
Show
To bestow; to confer; to afford; as, to show favor.
Shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me.
Show
To exhibit or manifest one's self or itself; to appear; to look; to be in appearance; to seem.
Just such she shows before a rising storm.
All round a hedge upshoots, and showsAt distance like a little wood.
Show
To have a certain appearance, as well or ill, fit or unfit; to become or suit; to appear.
My lord of York, it better showed with you.
Show
The act of showing, or bringing to view; exposure to sight; exhibition.
Show
That which os shown, or brought to view; that which is arranged to be seen; a spectacle; an exhibition; as, a traveling show; a cattle show.
As for triumphs, masks, feasts, and such shows.
Show
Proud or ostentatious display; parade; pomp.
I envy none their pageantry and show.
Show
Semblance; likeness; appearance.
He through the midst unmarked,In show plebeian angel militantOf lowest order, passed.
Show
False semblance; deceitful appearance; pretense.
Beware of the scribes, . . . which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers.
Show
A pale blue flame, at the top of a candle flame, indicating the presence of fire damp.
Show
A public exhibition of entertainment;
A remarkable show of skill
Show
Something intended to communicate a particular impression;
Made a display of strength
A show of impatience
A good show of looking interested
Show
A public exhibition or entertainment;
They wanted to see some of the shows on Broadway
Show
Pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression;
They try to keep up appearances
That ceremony is just for show
Show
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Show
Establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment;
The experiment demonstrated the instability of the compound
The mathematician showed the validity of the conjecture
Show
Make visible or noticeable;
She showed her talent for cooking
Show me your etchings, please
Show
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Show
Give expression to;
She showed her disappointment
Show
Indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively;
I showed the customer the glove section
He pointed to the empty parking space
He indicated his opponents
Show
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Show
Be or become visible or noticeable;
His good upbringing really shows
The dirty side will show
Show
Indicate a certain reading; of gauges and instruments;
The thermometer showed thirteen degrees below zero
The gauge read `empty'
Show
Give evidence of, as of records;
The diary shows his distress that evening
Show
Show (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums;
The usher showed us to our seats
Show
Finish third or better in a horse or dog race;
He bet $2 on number six to show
Common Curiosities
Can emotions be displayed?
Yes, emotions can be displayed, indicating a visual or outward expression of feelings.
Can the term 'display' be used for digital devices?
Yes, 'display' commonly refers to the screen output of digital devices.
What does it mean to show someone how to do something?
It means to demonstrate or explain the steps or methods involved in doing something.
Are displays always physical?
Displays can be physical or digital, ranging from store arrangements to screen presentations.
What is the main difference between display and show?
Display often refers to a visual presentation for attracting attention, while show involves revealing or demonstrating something.
Is a show always a performance?
While shows often involve performances, the term can also refer to demonstrations, explanations, or exhibitions.
How do museums use displays?
Museums use displays to exhibit artifacts and artworks in an informative and visually appealing manner.
What role do displays play in advertising?
Displays in advertising are crucial for attracting attention and conveying information about products or services.
Is showing always about teaching?
Showing involves making something clear or evident, which can include but is not limited to teaching.
Can displays be interactive?
Some displays are interactive, especially in digital formats or exhibitions designed to engage the audience.
Can a show be educational?
Yes, shows can be educational, especially when they involve demonstrations or explanations.
Can displays be considered art?
Yes, displays can be considered a form of art, especially when they involve creative arrangement and presentation.
What makes a show engaging?
Engagement in a show often comes from dynamic content, interaction with the audience, and entertainment value.
How can a show be different from a display in terms of interaction?
Shows often involve more interaction or engagement, such as performances or demonstrations, compared to displays.
Are digital displays becoming more prevalent?
Yes, digital displays are becoming increasingly prevalent in various contexts, including advertising, education, and art.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
