Representation vs. Display: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
Representation refers to the depiction or symbolization of something, while a display is a presentation or exhibition of items for viewing.
Key Differences
Representation holds significance as it entails depicting, symbolizing, or standing in for something, providing a means to convey ideas, concepts, or entities through various forms. It can manifest through symbols, images, words, or actions, allowing abstraction and conceptualization. On the other hand, display pertains to the act of presenting or exhibiting items, information, or artwork, making them visible and available for viewing. It is more about visibility and accessibility, focusing on the presentation aspect rather than the symbolic or abstract dimension.
In the context of art and imagery, representation provides a visual or symbolic depiction of subjects, portraying them through artistic expression and creative rendering. It captures the essence, characteristics, or features of the subject, conveying meaning and interpretation. Contrastingly, display in art concerns the arrangement, presentation, and exhibition of artworks, emphasizing how they are showcased to the audience, focusing on layout, lighting, and visibility, rather than the inherent meaning or symbolism.
In legal and political domains, representation refers to the act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or something. It’s about voicing concerns, defending interests, or portraying viewpoints. Conversely, display in these realms might involve presenting evidence, exhibiting documents, or showcasing legal arguments, emphasizing the manner of presentation and the visibility of content rather than the act of standing in for another.
The essence of representation lies in its ability to convey, symbolize, and depict, offering a pathway to understanding and interpretation. It provides a medium to comprehend complex ideas, visualize abstract concepts, and interpret meanings. Conversely, display is about presentation and exhibition, prioritizing the arrangement, visibility, and accessibility of items or information, serving as a medium to see, explore, and perceive.
In digital technology, representation is crucial for encoding information, symbolizing data, and depicting digital content, translating complex data into understandable formats. In contrast, display technology focuses on presenting this digital content visibly and interactively, determining how the represented information is viewed and interacted with by the users, emphasizing the user interface and experience.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Depiction or symbolization of something.
Presentation or exhibition of items for viewing.
Focus
Symbolism, meaning, and abstraction.
Visibility, arrangement, and presentation.
Application
Can be applied in various forms like symbols, images, words, or actions.
Involves showcasing information, artworks, or items.
Context
Common in legal, artistic, and digital domains for conveying concepts.
Predominant in exhibitions, presentations, and user interfaces.
User Interaction
Offers insights through interpretation and comprehension.
Allows exploration and perception through visibility and access.
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Representation and Display Definitions
Representation
Act of symbolizing or depicting something.
The painting is a representation of the artist's emotions.
Display
An arrangement of items to attract attention.
The window display attracted many shoppers.
Representation
The state of serving as a delegate or spokesperson.
The lawyer provided representation for the defendant.
Display
A device or unit on which visual information is shown.
The smartphone has a high-resolution display.
Representation
The act of representing or the state of being represented.
Display
To present to view; cause to be seen
The doctor displayed her diploma on the wall of her office. The autumn woods display a wide array of colors.
Representation
An image or likeness of something.
Display
To exhibit ostentatiously; show off
Garish hosts who display their wealth whenever guests come over.
Representation
An account or statement, as of facts, allegations, or arguments.
Display
To show (images or information) on a screen
The time is displayed on the bottom right corner of the computer monitor.
Representation
An expostulation; a protest.
Display
To be or give evidence of; manifest or reveal
Writing that displays broad knowledge.
A decision that displays poor judgment.
Representation
A presentation or production, as of a play.
Display
To spread out; unfurl
The peacock displayed its fan.
Representation
The state or condition of serving as an official delegate, agent, or spokesperson.
Display
(Biochemistry) To position (a protein, for example) on the surface of a biological entity such as a virus
Proteins displayed on a bacteriophage.
Representation
The right or privilege of being represented by delegates having a voice in a legislative body.
Display
(Zoology) To exhibit a behavioral display.
Representation
A body of legislators that serve on behalf of a constituency.
Display
The act of displaying.
Representation
(Law) A statement of fact made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract.
Display
Ostentatious exhibition
An attention-seeker who was fond of display.
Representation
(Mathematics) A homomorphism from an algebraic system to a similar system of matrices.
Display
A public exhibition.
Representation
That which represents something else.
The Venus of Willendorf was an early representation of the female body.
Display
Objects or merchandise set out for viewing by the public.
Representation
The act of representing.
We are no longer happy with your representation of our company at trade events.
Display
A demonstration or manifestation
A display of temper.
Representation
(legal) The lawyers and staff who argue on behalf of another in court.
People who cannot afford representation are eligible for government assistance.
Display
(Zoology) A specialized pattern of behavior used to communicate visually, such as the presentation of colors or plumage by male birds as part of courtship or intimidation.
Representation
(politics) The ability to elect a representative to speak on one's behalf in government; the role of this representative in government.
The lack of representation in the British parliament was one of the main factors behind the American Revolution.
Display
An instance of such behavior.
Representation
(mathematics) An object that describes an abstract group in terms of linear transformations of vector spaces; (more formally) a homomorphism from a group on a vector space to the general linear group (group of all bijective linear transformations) on the space.
Display
An advertisement or headline designed to catch the eye.
Representation
A figure, image or idea that substitutes reality.
Display
An electronic device, such as a computer monitor or cellphone screen, that presents information in a visual form.
Representation
A theatrical performance.
Display
(Biochemistry) An in vitro method by which genetically engineered proteins are placed on the surface of a biological entity (such as a bacteriophage, yeast, or ribosome) so that the properties of these proteins and those they bind to can be analyzed and manipulated for research purposes.
Representation
A statement; a presentation of opinion or position, or an utterance made to influence the opinions or actions of others
Display
A show or spectacle.
The trapeze artist put on an amazing acrobatic display.
Representation
(medicine) An act of representing, i.e. presenting again.
Rates of representation to the emergency department
Display
A piece of work to be presented visually.
Pupils are expected to produce a wall display about a country of their choice.
Representation
The act of representing, in any sense of the verb.
Display
A device, furniture or marketing-oriented bulk packaging for visual presentation for sales promotion.
Representation
That which represents.
Display
(computing) An electronic screen that shows graphics or text.
Representation
The state of being represented.
Display
(computing) The presentation of information for visual or tactile reception.
Representation
A presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image
Display
(transitive) To show conspicuously; to exhibit; to demonstrate; to manifest.
Representation
A creation that is a visual or tangible rendering of someone or something
Display
(intransitive) To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration.
Representation
The act of representing; standing in for someone or some group and speaking with authority in their behalf
Display
(military) To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line, deploy.
Representation
The state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent
Display
To make conspicuous by using large or prominent type.
Representation
A body of legislators that serve in behalf of some constituency;
A Congressional vacancy occurred in the representation from California
Display
(obsolete) To discover; to descry.
Representation
A factual statement made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract;
The sales contract contains several representations by the vendor
Display
(obsolete) To spread out, to unfurl.
Representation
A performance of play
Display
To unfold; to spread wide; to expand; to stretch out; to spread.
The northern wind his wings did broad display.
Representation
A statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting;
Certain representations were made concerning police brutality
Display
To extend the front of (a column), bringing it into line.
Representation
The right of being representated by delegates who have a voice in some legislative body
Display
To spread before the view; to show; to exhibit to the sight, or to the mind; to make manifest.
His statement . . . displays very clearly the actual condition of the army.
Representation
An activity that stands as an equivalent of something or results in an equivalent
Display
To make an exhibition of; to set in view conspicuously or ostentatiously; to exhibit for the sake of publicity; to parade.
Proudly displaying the insignia of their order.
Representation
A portrayal of an idea or concept.
The diagram is a clear representation of the process.
Display
To make conspicuous by large or prominent type.
Representation
The description or outline of something.
The model gives a three-dimensional representation of the building.
Display
To discover; to descry.
And from his seat took pleasure to displayThe city so adorned with towers.
Representation
A mental image or perception of something.
People have different representations of what happiness is.
Display
To output (results or data) in a visible manner on the screen of a monitor, CRT, or other device.
Display
To make a display; to act as one making a show or demonstration.
Display
An opening or unfolding; exhibition; manifestation.
Having witnessed displays of his power and grace.
Display
Ostentatious show; exhibition for effect; parade.
He died, as erring man should die,Without display, without parade.
Display
An electronic device on which the output signal of another electronic device may be presented in a visual form; - also called display device. Typically the display device it is the screen of a cathode-ray tube, as in a computer monitor, but other forms of visual display such as LED or liquid crystal devices are also used. The printed output from a computer or other device is not considered as a display.
Display
The output signal from a computer program, displayed on a display device. The displayed signal may consist of letters, numbers, or any graphical image.
Display
A pattern of behavior, such as showing a body part to another animal, by which one animal conveys information to another, as for mating or defense.
Display
Something intended to communicate a particular impression;
Made a display of strength
A show of impatience
A good show of looking interested
Display
Something shown to the public;
The museum had many exhibits of oriental art
Display
An electronic device that represents information in visual form
Display
A visual representation of something
Display
Behavior that makes your feelings public;
A display of emotion
Display
Exhibiting openly in public view;
A display of courage
Display
To show, make visible or apparent;
The Metropolitan Museum is exhibiting Goya's works this month
Why don't you show your nice legs and wear shorter skirts?
National leaders will have to display the highest skills of statesmanship
Display
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Display
Attract attention by displaying some body part or posing; of animals
Display
Act of presenting or exhibiting for viewing.
The museum has a new display of ancient artifacts.
Display
A visual presentation of information.
The display on the monitor is crisp and clear.
Display
A demonstration or manifestation.
The peacock’s display of feathers is truly breathtaking.
FAQs
Is the display always about visibility?
Primarily, yes. Display focuses on making content or items visible and accessible.
Is representation always visual?
No, representation can be visual, verbal, symbolic, or in other forms.
Can a display be interactive?
Yes, displays can be interactive, allowing users to engage with the content.
Can representation be misleading?
Yes, representations can be subjective or inaccurate, potentially leading to misunderstandings.
Can representation exist in digital form?
Absolutely, digital representation is common in encoding information and depicting digital content.
Does a display need illumination?
Not always, but illumination can enhance visibility in a display.
Is display technology advancing rapidly?
Yes, display technology is continually evolving, offering enhanced resolution, interactivity, and flexibility.
Can a display be minimalist?
Absolutely, minimalist displays focus on simplicity and reduced elements to convey a message.
Does representation convey meaning?
Yes, representation often conveys meaning, interpretation, or symbolism.
Can a display be auditory?
While typically visual, the term “display” can metaphorically apply to auditory presentations.
Is representation essential in art?
Yes, representation in art conveys ideas, emotions, and concepts through various mediums.
Does every display involve arrangement?
Generally, yes. Arrangement is key to effective display for viewer engagement.
Is symbolic representation abstract?
Often, symbolic representation is abstract, representing ideas or concepts not visually apparent.
Are representations subjective?
Representations can be subjective, reflecting individual perceptions, interpretations, or viewpoints.
Can a representation be tangible?
Yes, tangible representations can include models, sculptures, or other physical depictions.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
