2 syllables: dis, play. Stress on play.
dis-PLAY
/dɪsˈpleɪ/
display is pronounced dis-PLAY (/dɪsˈpleɪ/). It has two syllables (dis-play), with the stress on "play". Display refers to showing or presenting something to an audience or audience or to a surface where information or items are arranged for viewing. It can also denote an act of exhibiting emotions or behaviors. In computing, it means the output shown on a screen or monitor. The term conveys visibility, presentation, or exposure to observers in a tangible form.
Display refers to showing or presenting something to an audience or audience or to a surface where information or items are arranged for viewing. It can also denote an act of exhibiting emotions or behaviors. In computing, it means the output shown on a screen or monitor. The term conveys visibility, presentation, or exposure to observers in a tangible form.
- You might make the /ɪ/ in the first syllable too lax, causing a weak onset before /s/. Practice by saying /dɪ/ clearly and keep your jaw relaxed. - The /pl/ cluster can merge into /p/ or /l/ too soon; emphasize the /pl/ as a single consonant cluster before releasing into /eɪ/. - Some speakers convert the final diphthong to a longer /iː/ or /i/; practice with the pure /eɪ/ glide by shaping the mouth into /eɪ/ with a longer vowel until it resembles the target.
"The store window will display the new collection this weekend."
"The museum’s exhibit will display ancient artifacts for visitors."
"Her demeanor displayed confidence despite the stress."
Pronounce as dis-PLAY with stress on the second syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU dɪˈspleɪ. Start with a short /d/ followed by a short /ɪ/ in the first syllable, then the long diphthong /eɪ/ in the second. Mouth opens slightly on /dɪ/ and then widens for /ˈspleɪ/. End with a clear /eɪ/ glide. You’ll hear a crisp final vowel without an extra consonant. Audio reference: listen to native pronunciations on reputable dictionaries or Forvo.
Two common errors: (1) saying /dɪsˈplee/ with a long e instead of /eɪ/ in the final syllable, (2) reducing the /l/ or misplacing the tongue for the /pl/ cluster and producing /dɪˈspli/ or /ˈdɪsple/. Correction: keep the final vowel as the /eɪ/ diphthong; ensure the /pl/ sequence is produced as a concise consonant cluster: /pl/ with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge for the /l/ and rapid release into /eɪ/.
US and UK both use /dɪˈspleɪ/ with primary stress on the second syllable; non-rhotic UK accents still maintain /dɪˈspleɪ/ but vowel quality may be slightly shorter. Australian English often has a broader /æ/ or reduced /ɪ/ before /s/, but in display the vowel remains close to /ɪ/ and the /eɪ/ glide remains intact. Overall, rhoticity is not a factor here; focus on the diphthong /eɪ/ and crisp /pl/ cluster across accents.
The challenge lies in the two-part syllable with a light, quick onset followed by a prominent /eɪ/ diphthong in stressed syllable, plus the /pl/ consonant cluster that can blur if not timed well. Beginners often mispronounce the final vowel as /iː/ or/o /ɪ/; keep the glide on /eɪ/ and articulate /pl/ as a unit before the vowel. Pay attention to the transition from /s/ to /pl/ and the release into /eɪ/.
No, there are no silent letters in display. All letters contribute to the pronunciation: /d/ onset, /ɪ/ in the first syllable, /s/ and /p/ as part of the onset of the second syllable, /l/ as the onset of the second syllable, and /eɪ/ as the nucleus of the second syllable.
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- US: emphasize rhoticity is not a factor here; keep with /dɪˈspleɪ/ and sharper /pl/ release; focus on maintaining the /i/ openness. - UK: similar to US; slight vowel length difference, may sound crisper; keep /eɪ/ intact and avoid shortening the diphthong; tongue stays near the alveolar ridge for /s/ to /p/. - AU: may have a slightly more centralized /ɪ/ and a more nasal /l/; maintain the /pl/ cluster and /eɪ/ glide with clear, light air. IPA: US/UK/AU dɪˈspleɪ.
Display traces its roots to the Old French desplier meaning ‘unfold, spread out,’ from des- (prefix meaning ‘un-’ or ‘away’) andplier ‘to bend, fold.’ The Middle English adopted it as displayen, with phonetic shifts over centuries. By the 16th century, display referred to the act of unfolding or revealing something, then later extended metaphorically to presenting information, objects, or scenes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ‘display’ gained prominence in commercial and theatrical contexts—windows, posters, and stage settings—before becoming common in technology, where screen output or graphical presentation is central. The term thus evolved from physical unveiling to a wider sense of visibility, presentation, or demonstration across domains.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "display" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "display"
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