exhibit
ig-ZIB-it
/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/
To publicly display a work of art or item of interest in an art gallery or museum; an object or collection on public display.
As a noun, 'exhibit' usually refers to an individual item or specific display, whereas 'exhibition' refers to the whole organized event.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'exhibere', constructed from 'ex-' (out) and 'habere' (to hold). Thus, 'exhibere' literally meant 'to hold out' or 'to present before the eyes of others'. In Roman legal terminology, it meant bringing physical evidence out into the courtroom.
Word relationships
- display: 'Display' is broad and informal, whereas 'exhibit' carries institutional, formal, or museum connotations.
- showcase: 'Showcase' emphasizes highlighting best features, while 'exhibit' focuses on public presentation.
- conceal: To hide from view, opposite to exhibiting publicly.
Commonly confused with
- exhibition: 'Exhibit' is a single displayed item or verb to display; 'exhibition' is the entire public show event.
Word family
- exhibition (noun): a public display of works of art
- exhibitor (noun): a person or company showing items publicly
Collocations
- museum exhibit
- exhibit art
- solo exhibit
- interactive exhibit
- exhibit signs of
Idioms & expressions
- on exhibit
Example sentences
- "The gallery will exhibit over fifty rare watercolor paintings from the late nineteenth century." Museum Press Release
- "The centerpiece exhibit of the gallery showed a restored interactive bronze clockwork model." Exhibition Review
Memory hook
HOLD OUT (ex-habere) an item into the light for public view. Holding something out so everyone can see it clearly.
When not to use
Do not confuse an individual 'exhibit' with the entire museum building.
Fun facts
- The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was the world's first industrial and artistic world's fair.
- Museums keep up to 95% of their permanent collections in climate-controlled storage, exhibiting only a tiny fraction.
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