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exhibit

ig-ZIB-it /ɪɡˈzɪb.ɪt/

nounverbB2SATTOEFLIELTS

FormalLegal

A document, object, or physical item produced in a court of law as evidence; or to display publicly.

In legal settings, an exhibit is formally labeled (e.g., Exhibit A) and introduced to establish a concrete physical fact.

The story behind the word. In ancient Roman law, 'exhibere' literally meant 'to hold out' or produce a person or object in court. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'habere' means 'to hold'. Thus, to present an exhibit is to physically hold out proof before a magistrate.

Word relationships

evidence item: An exhibit is specifically labeled and presented in court, whereas evidence item is a general descriptive term.
display: Display refers to showing anything publicly, whereas an exhibit in law is formally introduced into a court record.

concealment: Concealment is hiding an item, while exhibiting is presenting it openly.

Commonly confused with

testimony: Testimony is spoken or written statement under oath; an exhibit is a physical document or object introduced into evidence.

Word family

exhibition (noun): A public display or showing.
exhibitor (noun): A person who shows an item or presentation.

Collocations

marked as an exhibit
enter into evidence as an exhibit
exhibit A

Idioms & expressions

exhibit A

Example sentences

"The prosecutor handed the judge a sealed envelope containing Exhibit A, the bloody key ring." Courtroom proceeding

Memory hook

EX-HOLD-IT: You hold out Exhibit A so the jury can see it clearly. Hold out physical proof.

When not to use

Do not use 'exhibit' to refer to spoken statements made under oath; those are referred to as testimony.

Fun facts

In famous high-profile trials, individual physical exhibits like audio tapes or clothing items can become cultural icons.