Reading Theme:
Exhibition: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：public showing (exhibition)
exhibition
/ˌeksɪˈbɪʃn/
n.
An event where interesting things like art or inventions are put in a place for people to come and see.
public showing
➕
/ˈpʌblɪk ˈʃoʊɪŋ/
n.
A public event where objects of interest, such as works of art, historical items, or scientific discoveries, are arranged and displayed for people to view.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'exhibēre', meaning 'to hold out' or 'to present', from 'ex-' (out) + 'habēre' (to have, hold).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine exiting (EX) to hit (HIBIT) a fantastic vision (ION) at the exhibition.
📖 Example
We spent the whole afternoon at the science museum's dinosaur exhibition.
We spent the whole afternoon at the science museum's dinosaur exhibition.
🔗 Collocations
art exhibition – A display of artworks for public viewing.
on exhibition – Being displayed publicly.
exhibition hall – A large room or building designed to hold public displays.
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The concept of a public exhibition became prominent in 19th-century Europe with events like London's Great Exhibition of 1851, showcasing industrial and cultural achievements. This established the modern meaning of a large-scale organized public display, a tradition continuing in world expos and museums.
Meaning 2：display (exhibition)
exhibition
/ˌeksɪˈbɪʃn/
n.
A public show or display of a particular skill, quality, or feeling.
display
➕
/dɪˈspleɪ/
n.
An act of publicly showing or revealing a particular skill, quality, behavior, or emotion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Her confident handling of the difficult question was a remarkable exhibition of professionalism.
Her confident handling of the difficult question was a remarkable exhibition of professionalism.
🔗 Collocations
exhibition of courage – A public display of bravery.
make an exhibition of oneself – To behave foolishly or embarrassingly in public.
exhibition match – A sports game played for public entertainment rather than as part of a serious competition.
🔄 Synonyms
demonstration (n.) – A public showing of how something works or a display of a feeling or skill.
manifestation (n.) – An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something abstract.
presentation (n.) – The act of formally showing or offering something for others to consider.
🚫 Antonyms
concealment (n.) – The action of hiding something or keeping it secret.
suppression (n.) – The action of preventing something from being shown, expressed, or continuing.
🌱 Derivatives
exhibitionism (n.) – Extravagant behavior intended to attract attention to oneself.
exhibitionist (n.) – A person who behaves in an extravagant way to attract attention.
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