Display vs. Exhibit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Display" refers to showing or arranging items for visibility, often temporarily, while "Exhibit" involves presenting objects, often in a curated or educational setting, like a museum.
Difference Between Display and Exhibit
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Display" implies arranging items to make them visible to an audience. For instance, stores display merchandise to attract customers, while "Exhibit" is a curated presentation of items, often educational or artistic, like in a museum or gallery.
"Display" is often used in commercial settings, where items are showcased to promote sales. On the other hand, "Exhibit" is linked to structured environments like museums, where items are presented with detailed context or interpretation.
"Display" can be spontaneous and may occur without extensive planning, as in the case of window displays. "Exhibit," by contrast, usually involves deliberate curation and theme selection to guide the viewer's understanding.
"Display" focuses more on the visual appeal and immediate impact on the audience. Whereas "Exhibit" prioritizes educational value, with organized information and a logical presentation of the subject matter.
"Display" can refer to digital screens, as in "computer displays," which showcase information. On the other hand, "Exhibit" remains specific to a curated physical presentation of tangible or digital objects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Context
Commercial, promotional
Artistic, educational
Planning
May be spontaneous
Carefully curated
Purpose
Immediate visual appeal
In-depth exploration and interpretation
Digital Usage
Refers to screens showing digital info
Not commonly used in digital contexts
Location
Stores, events, electronic devices
Museums, galleries, exhibitions
Compare with Definitions
Display
To arrange objects for visibility.
The shopkeeper arranged the toys on the shelf to display them.
Exhibit
An object or collection presented publicly.
The dinosaur skeleton is the main exhibit.
Display
A visible presentation of items.
The festival included a display of traditional crafts.
Exhibit
To show items in a curated setting.
The museum exhibits ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Display
An act of showing a particular trait.
The peacock spread its feathers in a vibrant display.
Exhibit
To demonstrate a particular trait.
The athlete exhibited great sportsmanship during the game.
Display
To make something visible or known.
His anger was displayed through his facial expressions.
Exhibit
To make evidence or documents available for legal purposes.
The lawyer exhibited the contract as proof.
Display
To present data or information digitally.
The laptop's screen displays high-resolution images.
Exhibit
To reveal a characteristic or behavior.
He exhibited signs of nervousness before the speech.
Display
To show (images or information) on a screen
The time is displayed on the bottom right corner of the computer monitor.
Exhibit
To show outwardly; display
Exhibited pleasure by smiling.
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.
Exhibit
To present for others to see
Rolled up his sleeve to exhibit the scar.
Display
To exhibit ostentatiously; show off
Garish hosts who display their wealth whenever guests come over.
Exhibit
To present in a public exhibition or contest
Exhibited her paintings at a gallery.
Display
To be or give evidence of; manifest or reveal
Writing that displays broad knowledge.
A decision that displays poor judgment.
Exhibit
To give evidence or an instance of; demonstrate
Young musicians eager to exhibit their talent.
A plant that exhibits dimorphism.
Display
To spread out; unfurl
The peacock displayed its fan.
Exhibit
To put something on public display.
Display
(Biochemistry) To position (a protein, for example) on the surface of a biological entity such as a virus
Proteins displayed on a bacteriophage.
Exhibit
A public showing; an exhibition
Spent the afternoon at the art exhibit.
Display
(Zoology) To exhibit a behavioral display.
Exhibit
Something exhibited
Each exhibit in the show took hours to assemble.
Display
The act of displaying.
Exhibit
(Law) Something marked for identification with the purpose of being introduced as evidence
Referred to Exhibit A.
Display
Ostentatious exhibition
An attention-seeker who was fond of display.
Exhibit
(Informal) Something used as an example, as when arguing or making a point
You never do your chores—Exhibit A.
Display
A public exhibition.
Exhibit
(transitive) To display or show (something) for others to see, especially at an exhibition or contest.
He wanted to exhibit his baseball cards.
Display
Objects or merchandise set out for viewing by the public.
Exhibit
(transitive) To demonstrate.
The players exhibited great skill.
Display
A demonstration or manifestation
A display of temper.
Exhibit
To submit (a physical object) to a court as evidence.
I now exhibit this bloody hammer.
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.
Exhibit
(intransitive) To put on a public display.
Will you be exhibiting this year?
Display
An instance of such behavior.
Exhibit
(medicine) To administer as a remedy.
To exhibit calomel
Display
An advertisement or headline designed to catch the eye.
Exhibit
An instance of exhibiting.
Display
An electronic device, such as a computer monitor or cellphone screen, that presents information in a visual form.
Exhibit
That which is exhibited.
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.
Exhibit
A public showing; an exhibition.
The museum's new exhibit is drawing quite a crowd.
Display
A show or spectacle.
The trapeze artist put on an amazing acrobatic display.
Exhibit
(legal) An article formally introduced as evidence in a court.
Exhibit A is this photograph of the corpse.
Display
A piece of work to be presented visually.
Pupils are expected to produce a wall display about a country of their choice.
Exhibit
To hold forth or present to view; to produce publicly, for inspection; to show, especially in order to attract notice to what is interesting; to display; as, to exhibit commodities in a warehouse, a picture in a gallery.
Exhibiting a miserable example of the weakness of mind and body.
Display
A device, furniture or marketing-oriented bulk packaging for visual presentation for sales promotion.
Exhibit
To submit, as a document, to a court or officer, in course of proceedings; also, to present or offer officially or in legal form; to bring, as a charge.
He suffered his attorney-general to exhibit a charge of high treason against the earl.
Display
(computing) An electronic screen that shows graphics or text.
Exhibit
To administer as a remedy; as, to exhibit calomel.
Display
(computing) The presentation of information for visual or tactile reception.
Exhibit
Any article, or collection of articles, displayed to view, as in an industrial exhibition; a display; as, this exhibit was marked A; the English exhibit.
Display
(transitive) To show conspicuously; to exhibit; to demonstrate; to manifest.
Exhibit
A document produced and identified in court for future use as evidence.
Display
(intransitive) To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration.
Exhibit
An object or statement produced before a court of law and referred to while giving evidence
Display
(military) To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line, deploy.
Exhibit
Something shown to the public;
The museum had many exhibits of oriental art
Display
To make conspicuous by using large or prominent type.
Exhibit
Show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill;
He exhibits a great talent
Display
(obsolete) To discover; to descry.
Exhibit
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
Display
(obsolete) To spread out, to unfurl.
Exhibit
Show or demonstrate something to an interested audience;
She shows her dogs frequently
We will demo the new software in Washington
Display
To unfold; to spread wide; to expand; to stretch out; to spread.
The northern wind his wings did broad display.
Exhibit
Walk ostentatiously;
She parades her new husband around town
Display
To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line.
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.
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.
Display
To make conspicuous by large or prominent type.
Display
To discover; to descry.
And from his seat took pleasure to displayThe city so adorned with towers.
Display
To output (results or data) in a visible manner on the screen of a monitor, CRT, or other device.
Display
To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration.
Display
An opening or unfolding; exhibition; manifestation.
Having witnessed displays of his power and grace.
Display
Ostentatious show; exhibition for effect; parade.
He died, as erring man should die,Without display, without parade.
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.
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.
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.
Display
Something intended to communicate a particular impression;
Made a display of strength
A show of impatience
A good show of looking interested
Display
Something shown to the public;
The museum had many exhibits of oriental art
Display
An electronic device that represents information in visual form
Display
A visual representation of something
Display
Behavior that makes your feelings public;
A display of emotion
Display
Exhibiting openly in public view;
A display of courage
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
Display
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Display
Attract attention by displaying some body part or posing; of animals
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference between "display" and "exhibit" in commercial settings?
Yes, "display" typically refers to showcasing products to encourage sales, while "exhibit" involves presenting curated items for viewing.
Can "display" and "exhibit" be used interchangeably in museums?
Not always; "exhibit" is preferred due to its curated nature, whereas "display" might refer to specific arrangements within an exhibit.
Is "exhibit" only used for physical objects?
Primarily, though digital art or information can also be exhibited when curated carefully.
Are "display" and "exhibit" commonly used digitally?
"Display" is used digitally for screens and monitors, but "exhibit" is rarely applied in this context.
Are exhibits always curated?
Yes, exhibits are typically carefully curated to provide thematic or educational value.
Is "display" used in legal contexts?
Not commonly, though it can be used metaphorically to describe the presentation of evidence.
Can "display" refer to an action or object?
Yes, it can refer to both the act of showing and the arrangement itself.
Is "display" frequently used with adjectives like "digital" or "visual"?
Yes, "display" often pairs with these adjectives, as it broadly applies to visual showing.
Is there a professional role involving displays?
Yes, visual merchandisers specialize in arranging retail displays.
Do both terms relate to visual presentation?
Yes, both terms emphasize visual presentation, but "display" leans toward immediate impact, while "exhibit" is more comprehensive.
Is "exhibit" formal or informal?
"Exhibit" is relatively formal and often used in structured settings.
Does "display" imply a short-term or long-term showing?
It can imply either, though often it suggests a more temporary showing.
Are exhibits always educational?
Generally, yes, they aim to educate or inform, often in artistic, historical, or scientific contexts.
Is "display" used in computing contexts?
Yes, it commonly describes digital screens or user interfaces.
Can exhibits include live demonstrations?
Yes, exhibits may include live performances or demonstrations to enhance understanding.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lumbermill vs. Sawmill
Next Comparison
Albuterol vs. SalbutamolAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
