Screen Meaning and Definition
Screen
Pronunciation
/sˈriːn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A screen is a physical or digital surface that displays visual information, typically used for watching movies, TV shows, videos, or playing video games, and may also be used for conferencing, presentations, or digital signage.
Examples
1. “She sat in front of the TV, watching her favorite show on the big screen.”
2. “The presentation on the screen included a slideshow, a video, and a live demo.”
Synonyms
1. Display
2. Monitor
Antonyms
1. Dark screen
2. Blank monitor
Additional Information
Screen sizes vary widely, from small hand-held devices to large cinema screens, and screen technologies include LCD, LED, OLED, and projection screens. Modern screens often have built-in audio systems, and some can be interactive or capable of 3D display. The use of screens has transformed the way people consume entertainment, communicate, and access information.
There are many types of screens, including television screens, computer monitors, gaming screens, projection screens for presentations and movie theaters, and mobile phone and tablet screens. The resolution and screen quality have improved significantly over the years, with Higher-Resolution-Definition (HDR) and 4K resolution becoming more common.
Screens are an essential part of modern technology and have become an integral part of our daily lives. From home use to public display, screens are used for a wide range of purposes, including entertainment, education, and communication.
Etymology
The word “screen” originated from the Old English word “scrain” or “scrynne,” which referred to a piece of cloth or a curtain used to hide or conceal something. Over time, the meaning expanded to include other types of surfaces that show images or display information.
Usage Notes
When referring to a screen, use the definite article “the” for a specific screen, as in “the TV screen,” and use the indefinite article “a” for a general concept, as in “a digital screen.”
Screen can be used in different contexts, such as to indicate a surface that displays information or to specify the type of output device, as in “projector screen” or “computer screen.”
Cultural References
The 1962 movie “The Manchurian Candidate” features a pivotal scene where the main character is hypnotized through a screen projection. In the 1995 film “Apollo 13,” the crew relies on a computer screen to troubleshoot the Apollo 13 mission.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Screen time” refers to the amount of time spent in front of screens, which has become a common concern in modern society.
“Main screen” is an idiomatic expression that refers to the primary display on a device, such as a TV or computer.
Collocations
Screen and watch: As in “she sat in front of the TV to watch the game on the screen.”
Screen and play: As in “the kid loved playing video games on the big screen.”
Frequency of Use
The word “screen” is widely used in various contexts, including entertainment, education, and communication. With the increasing use of digital devices, the term has become more prevalent in modern language, especially with the advent of high-definition screens and interactive displays.
Common Misspellings
SCREEEN
SCREENS