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to display

to display

43 5.6
To show a body part or pose to attract a mate
  • verb
  • /dɪˈspleɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : exhibir
  • display courtship behavior
  • display aggressive behavior
  • display a wide variety

Examples

  • According to eyewitnesses, the animal displayed uncommon strength...

  • In a daring move, the human mates publicly display their affection.

  • If that Peacock displays this tail, it alerts predators to its position.

  • After a restless night, he displayed two puncture marks on his neck that distressed the local doctor.

    Academic text (2015)
  • And her top right hand displays a gesture of fearlessness to reassure and protect her devotees.

  • During the courtship ritual, the male bird began to display its colorful feathers to attract a mate.

  • The lion stands tall and displays its mane, signaling dominance to other males in the area.

  • To impress potential mates, the male peacock will display its magnificent tail feathers in a grand fan.

Synonyms

to show
vsto display
1.0

To let others see or notice something

is an instinctive animal posture to attract mates or mark territory
to present
vsto display
2.8

Introduce information or ideas to a group

is an instinctive posture for courting or defending territory
to show off
vsto display
  • Informal
216 3.2

To act proudly to get attention or praise

is an instinctive posture for mating or territory, not human bragging
to exhibit
vsto display
173 3.4

To show something to the public or show a feeling

is an instinctive posture used in courtship or territory signalling
to flaunt
vsto display
62 5.7

To show something in a very obvious way to get attention

is a natural posture serving mating or territorial purposes without pride
to flex
vsto display
  • Slang
12 7.7

To show off something to impress other people, often on social media

is a nonhuman posture used in courtship or territory signalling

Antonyms

466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

Avoid doing something because you feel afraid or unsure

Compounds

12 2.4

A glass cabinet with clear sides that shows and protects things like jewelry or small objects

A screen that shows text, photos, or moving pictures

A large front shop window that shows goods to attract customers

An electronic screen that shows numbers or letters

1 3.7

A thin flat electronic screen like on watches, phones, and TVs that shows pictures

A screen that shows pictures and text from a computer

A board that shows information or holds items for people to see

A flat screen or board that shows information in public places

flat panel display
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A thin, flat screen for computers and televisions

display adapter
  • Specialized
4.4

A computer part that changes data into signals the screen uses to show pictures

7.7

A screen divided into top and bottom halves that update at the same time to work faster

alphanumeric display
  • Specialized
4.2

A screen that shows letters and numbers

A bright, strong show of color or feeling

A changing show of bright colors and patterns

A show of fireworks that lights up the sky

7.4

A screen used in old LCDs where rows and columns of wires control tiny dots and give lower picture quality

A screen like a computer monitor that shows images and text

How Showy

to flaunt
62 5.7
to parade
47 3.9
to display
  • Specialized
43 5.6
strut
8 6.3
to show
1.0

Surface Forms

display infinitive
displayed past
displayed past participle
displaying present participle
displays third person singular

Etymology

Display comes from the idea of 'opening out' or 'unfolding' to be seen, built from parts like dis- 'un-' and ply 'fold'. That's why animals 'display' bright feathers or strange poses: they 'open out' to attract attention.