What is exhibit? Pronunciation and usage in English

exhibit means . Learn how to pronounce and use exhibit through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of exhibit

exhibitverb

/ɪɡˈzɪbɪt//ɛɡˈzɪbɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of exhibit

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exhibit" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • eh-HIH-bit
    • eh: Like the "e" in "bed"
    • HIH: This is the tricky part! It's a short, sharp "h" sound, almost like you're quickly saying "hee!" but with less of a vowel sound. Think of it as a quick, forceful "h."
    • bit: As in "bit" (small piece).

2. A Slightly More Detailed Breakdown:

  • ex- (as in "expect") - This part is pretty straightforward.
  • hibit - This is where the focus is. You're emphasizing the "hih" sound as described above.

3. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "ex": It's a short, quick syllable.
  • The "h" is key: Really try to get that little "h" sound in there. It's crucial to the pronunciation. It's not a full "hee" sound, just a brief 'h' as you pronounce the "i."
  • Listen to examples: This is really helpful. Here are some good resources:

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you learning American English or British English? (While the pronunciation is similar in both, there can be subtle differences.)

Usage and examples with the word exhibit in English

The word "exhibit" has several different meanings and uses in English. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (To Show or Display):

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means to display something for public viewing.
    • Example: "The museum will exhibit ancient Roman artifacts next month."
    • Example: "The artist decided to exhibit her paintings in a local gallery."
    • Phrases:
      • Exhibit something to someone: "He will exhibit his research findings to the scientific community."
      • Exhibit something for public viewing: "The zoo exhibits a wide variety of animals."

2. As a Noun (An Display or Showing):

  • Meaning: Refers to the act of displaying something or the display itself.
    • Example: "The exhibit was incredibly informative and engaging."
    • Example: “The art exhibit drew large crowds.”
    • Related terms:
      • Art exhibit: A show of artwork.
      • Science exhibit: A show or display related to science.
      • Medical exhibit: A display relating to medicine and healthcare.

3. In Legal Contexts (To Show Evidence):

  • Meaning: In a courtroom, "exhibit" refers to a document or other tangible evidence presented to the judge and jury.
    • Example: "The lawyer presented an exhibit showing the defendant's prior criminal record."
    • Example: "The judge instructed the jury to carefully consider the exhibits."

4. In Biology (To Show a Characteristic):

  • Meaning: In genetics, an “exhibit” refers to a specific trait or characteristic that is observable in an organism.
    • Example: “The plant exhibited a dark purple coloration, indicating a recessive gene.”

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Display" vs. "Exhibit": "Display" is a more general term for putting something in a visible location. "Exhibit" often implies a more formal or curated presentation, especially in museums or art galleries.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Exhibit" is generally more formal than "display."

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To show or display "The exhibit shows the history of the town."
Noun The act of showing or the display "The museum’s exhibit was a huge success."
Legal Evidence presented in a courtroom "The plaintiff presented an exhibit of receipts."
Biology A visible trait or characteristic “The rose plant exhibited vibrant red petals.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "exhibit" in a sentence for? (e.g., describing an art show, legal proceedings, a biological trait, etc.)

Synonyms for the word exhibit

Practice with vocabulary exhibit

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The art gallery will _______ a new collection of contemporary sculptures next month.
  2. Despite the pressure, the young diplomat continued to _______ remarkable composure during the negotiations.
  3. The company intends to _______ its latest technological innovations at the upcoming trade fair.
  4. It's crucial for leaders to _______ empathy and understanding towards their team members during challenging times.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can replace "show" in the sentence: "The new diagnostic tools can ____ subtle signs of early-stage disease"? a) conceal b) prevent c) exhibit d) hide e) manifest

  2. The museum's new wing is designed to ____ rare artifacts from ancient civilizations. a) obscure b) destroy c) exhibit d) present e) preserve

  3. Employees are expected to ____ a high degree of professionalism in all client interactions. a) withhold b) acquire c) exhibit d) display e) feign

  4. Before launching the product, the team needs to ____ its features thoroughly to potential investors. a) conceal b) obscure c) demonstrate d) simulate e) undermine

  5. The architect's portfolio aims to ____ his unique design philosophy and previous successful projects. a) suppress b) conceal c) disguise d) showcase e) hide

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The data clearly indicates a significant improvement in customer satisfaction. (Rewrite using "exhibit" or related word forms.)
  2. Original: During the presentation, the CEO wanted to demonstrate the company's commitment to sustainability. (Rewrite using "exhibit" or related word forms.)
  3. Original: The scientists wanted to make their latest findings publicly available for review. (Rewrite, but do not use "exhibit". Use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The art gallery will exhibit a new collection of contemporary sculptures next month.
  2. Despite the pressure, the young diplomat continued to exhibit remarkable composure during the negotiations.
  3. The company intends to showcase its latest technological innovations at the upcoming trade fair.
  4. It's crucial for leaders to demonstrate empathy and understanding towards their team members during challenging times.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) exhibit, e) manifest
  2. c) exhibit, d) present
  3. c) exhibit, d) display
  4. c) demonstrate
  5. d) showcase

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The data clearly exhibits a significant improvement in customer satisfaction.
  2. During the presentation, the CEO wanted to exhibit the company's commitment to sustainability.
  3. The scientists wanted to present their latest findings publicly for review.

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