display emotion
Show feelings
Use 'display emotion' when describing how someone's feelings become visible to others in a clear way.
In 15 Seconds
- Showing your inner feelings through facial expressions or body language.
- Commonly used in professional, psychological, or descriptive contexts.
- The opposite of keeping a 'poker face' or hiding feelings.
Meaning
This phrase describes when someone lets their inner feelings show on the outside through their face, voice, or actions. It is about making your emotions visible to others instead of keeping them hidden.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a stoic boss
Our manager rarely displays emotion, even when the company hits a major milestone.
Our manager rarely shows feelings, even during big successes.
Watching a sad movie with a friend
I'm surprised you didn't display any emotion during that heartbreaking finale!
I'm surprised you didn't show any feelings during the sad ending!
A formal performance review
It is important to display emotion that aligns with our brand values during customer interactions.
It is important to show feelings that match our brand when talking to customers.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'displaying emotion' is central to the Western idea of authenticity versus professionalism. While older generations often valued 'stoicism' (hiding feelings), modern Western culture, especially in the US, views the open display of emotion as a sign of honesty and mental health.
The 'Poker Face' Connection
If you want to say someone *doesn't* display emotion, call them 'unreadable' or say they have a 'poker face'. It's a very common idiom!
Don't sound like a robot
Using 'display emotion' to your partner during a fight might sound too cold. Stick to 'I'm upset' or 'I'm hurt' instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Showing your inner feelings through facial expressions or body language.
- Commonly used in professional, psychological, or descriptive contexts.
- The opposite of keeping a 'poker face' or hiding feelings.
What It Means
To display emotion is to let the world see what is happening in your heart. Think of your face like a screen or a 'display'. When you are happy, sad, or angry, that screen shows the data. It is the opposite of having a 'poker face'. It means you aren't hiding your vibes. You are letting them be public.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb-noun combo. You can display a specific emotion, like displaying anger. Or you can use it generally. It often appears in descriptions of people's behavior. You might say someone 'rarely displays emotion' if they are very stoic. It works well with adverbs too. You can openly display emotion or barely display emotion at all. It is a very flexible tool for your vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use this when you are observing someone's reaction. It fits perfectly in professional feedback or psychological discussions. It is great for storytelling too. Imagine you are at a wedding. You see the groom cry. You would say he displayed deep emotion during the vows. It is also useful in news reports or formal writing. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying 'he cried'.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very casual, high-energy slang sessions. If your friend is sobbing over a breakup, don't say 'Wow, you are displaying emotion!' That sounds like you are a robot or a scientist. In those moments, use 'letting it out' or 'getting emotional'. Also, don't use it for physical pain unless it's tied to a feeling. It is about the heart, not just a stubbed toe.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a tug-of-war with this phrase. Historically, 'British stiff upper lip' meant you should never display emotion. It was seen as a sign of weakness. However, modern culture has shifted. Now, being 'emotionally intelligent' is a huge trend. People are encouraged to display emotion more openly in therapy and friendships. It is seen as being 'authentic' or 'real'.
Common Variations
You will often hear show emotion in casual talk. Express emotion is another common cousin. If someone is very dramatic, you might say they exhibit emotion. If they hide it, they suppress emotion. Each one changes the flavor slightly. Display feels a bit like you are looking at a gallery. It is visual and clear.
Usage Notes
This is a 'neutral-to-formal' collocation. It is safer to use in writing or professional settings than 'letting it out'. It focuses on the outward visibility of the feeling.
The 'Poker Face' Connection
If you want to say someone *doesn't* display emotion, call them 'unreadable' or say they have a 'poker face'. It's a very common idiom!
Don't sound like a robot
Using 'display emotion' to your partner during a fight might sound too cold. Stick to 'I'm upset' or 'I'm hurt' instead.
The Gender Gap
In Western culture, there's a long-standing stereotype that men shouldn't display emotion. Breaking this 'norm' is a big topic in modern media.
Examples
6Our manager rarely displays emotion, even when the company hits a major milestone.
Our manager rarely shows feelings, even during big successes.
Used here to describe a professional, calm personality.
I'm surprised you didn't display any emotion during that heartbreaking finale!
I'm surprised you didn't show any feelings during the sad ending!
A friendly observation about someone's reaction.
It is important to display emotion that aligns with our brand values during customer interactions.
It is important to show feelings that match our brand when talking to customers.
Used to discuss professional behavior and 'emotional labor'.
He was so hard to read! He didn't display much emotion the whole night.
I couldn't tell what he was thinking; he didn't show much feeling.
Used to describe a lack of social cues.
The only time my uncle displays emotion is when his favorite football team loses.
My uncle only shows feelings when his team loses.
Pokes fun at someone who is usually very quiet or unemotional.
The witness began to display visible emotion as she recounted the story.
The witness started showing clear feelings while telling the story.
Describes a moment where feelings become impossible to hide.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the professional observation.
In a high-stakes negotiation, it is often better not to ___ too much emotion.
In professional settings, 'display emotion' is the standard collocation for showing feelings.
Which adverb fits best for someone being very honest?
She ___ displayed her emotion, crying tears of joy in front of everyone.
'Openly display emotion' means to show feelings without trying to hide them.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Say 'Show Feelings'
Very casual and raw
Let it all out
Standard everyday use
Show your feelings
Polite and descriptive
Display emotion
Clinical or academic
Exhibit affect
When to use 'Display Emotion'
Job Interview
Displaying enthusiasm for the role.
Movie Review
The actor displayed great emotion.
Therapy Session
Learning to display emotion safely.
Sports
Displaying frustration at a referee.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. Crying is one way to display emotion, but you can also display joy by smiling or display anger by shouting.
Yes, it is very appropriate. For example: We need to display confidence during the presentation.
Both are correct. Use emotion for the general concept and emotions if you are talking about several different feelings like fear and joy.
The most common opposites are hiding, suppressing, or masking your emotions.
Yes, it sounds very natural, especially when describing a performance, a speech, or a reaction to news.
Absolutely. You can say, The dog displayed visible emotion when its owner returned home.
In casual speech, yes. Show emotion is used more often with friends, while display emotion is slightly more formal.
Yes! You can display excitement, display love, or display gratitude.
Not always. In some cultures or jobs (like being a judge), displaying emotion might be seen as unprofessional.
Don't say make a display of emotion unless you mean the person is being 'fake' or overly dramatic for attention.
Related Phrases
Wear your heart on your sleeve
To make your feelings very obvious to everyone.
Keep a straight face
To avoid displaying any emotion, especially when something is funny.
Bottle up feelings
To refuse to display or talk about your emotions.
Emotional outburst
A sudden and very strong display of emotion.
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