Cool MateDisplay vs Monitor
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Display
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Monitor
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Most common: Display
| Display | Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmɒnɪtə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmɑːnɪtər/"]/ |
| Meaning | To show something so that people can see it. | A screen used to see pictures or text from a computer. |
| Example | Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. | The teacher will monitor the students' progress throughout the semester. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | clearly, prominently, proudly, to | colour/color, digital, CCTV, on a/the monitor, baby, foetal/fetal, heart, detect something, display something, show something, hooked up to a monitor, UN, ceasefire, election, UN, ceasefire, election |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide, obscure | ignore, neglect |
| Common mistakes | Saying 'displayed for me' instead of 'displayed to me'., Using 'display' as a noun when a verb is required., Confused with 'exhibit' which has a more formal tone. | Confused with 'minotor', a common misspelling., Using 'monitor' as a verb without an object, e.g., 'I will monitor' instead of 'I will monitor the situation.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'display' in contexts involving showing information or items. It's appropriate for both written and spoken communication. Avoid in very informal situations where simpler words like 'show' may be preferred. | Use 'monitor' when referring to computer screens or when talking about observing something continuously. More formal contexts may use it to describe supervision or tracking. |
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Frequently asked questions: Display vs Monitor
What's the difference between Display and Monitor?
Display: To show something so that people can see it. Monitor: A screen used to see pictures or text from a computer.
Which is more common: Display and Monitor?
Display is the most common in everyday English.
Are Display and Monitor the same CEFR level?
Display: B2, Monitor: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Display and Monitor?
Display: verb, Monitor: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Display: Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. Monitor: The teacher will monitor the students' progress throughout the semester.
Can I use Display and Monitor interchangeably?
Not always. Display and Monitor are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.