① show為最普通用詞,泛指一切有意無意地把東西給別人看的行為。
They told us to show our passports. 他們叫我們出示護照。
My watch shows the time as well as the dates. 我的表不僅顯示鐘點,而且顯示日期。
② display指有意地或炫耀地把某物擺出來給眾人觀看。
The prize winning drawings in the art show were displayed in the school corridors. 在藝術展覽會上獲獎的繪畫作品在學校走廊里展出。
He displayed his drunkenness openly on the street. 他公然在街上耍酒瘋。
③ exhibit指為出售、競賽等目的而把東西陳列出來,也可作show的較為正式的代用詞。
The gallery is exhibiting French paintings. 美術館正展出法國繪畫。
The children exhibited (=showed)great interest in the circus. 孩子們對馬戲表現(xiàn)出極大的興趣。