Display vs Television

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Display

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb

Television

Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
 DisplayTelevision
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈspleɪ/","/dɪˈspleɪz/","/dɪˈspleɪd/","/dɪˈspleɪɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈtelɪvɪʒn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtelɪvɪʒn/"]/
MeaningTo show something so that people can see it.A screen that shows moving pictures and sounds for entertainment or information.
ExamplePlease display the results on the screen for everyone to see.I watch my favorite show on television every Friday.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelB2A1
Part of speechverbnoun
Collocationsclearly, prominently, proudly, tobroadcast, cable, closed-circuit, watch, switch on, turn on, broadcast something, screen something, broadcast, production, programme/​program, in television, in front of the television, on television, broadcast, cable, closed-circuit, watch, switch on, turn on, broadcast something, screen something, broadcast, production, programme/​program, in television, in front of the television, on television, broadcast, cable, closed-circuit, watch, switch on, turn on, broadcast something, screen something, broadcast, production, programme/​program, in television, in front of the television, on television
Antonymsconceal, hide, obscureradio, newspaper, book
Common mistakesSaying '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 'TV' as an abbreviation - TV is informal., Using it as a verb, e.g., 'I will television tonight' instead of 'I will watch television.', Saying 'the tele' instead of 'the television' in formal contexts.
Usage notesUse '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 'television' in both casual and formal conversations about shows, news, or movies. Avoid slang terms in formal writing.

See it in real clips

Television

Frequently asked questions: Display vs Television

What's the difference between Display and Television?

Display: To show something so that people can see it. Television: A screen that shows moving pictures and sounds for entertainment or information.

Which is more advanced: Display and Television?

Display is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Display and Television the same CEFR level?

Display: B2, Television: A1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Display and Television?

Display: verb, Television: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Display: Please display the results on the screen for everyone to see. Television: I watch my favorite show on television every Friday.

Can I use Display and Television interchangeably?

Not always. Display and Television 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.

Related comparisons