showcase
gb/ʃˈoʊkˌeɪs/ us/ʃˈoʊkˌeɪs/
B1
English
~ 6800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
to present something at its best
to show something in a way that makes its best parts easy to see
Usage pattern:
to showcase [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "show off" instead of "showcase" in formal or professional contexts. "Show off" often has a negative feeling (acting proud in an annoying way), while "showcase" is neutral and is often used in business, art, or marketing. Learners may also think "showcase" can be used without an object, but it almost always takes an object (you showcase something).
Synonyms
highlight (stresses drawing attention to something important; slightly more general and common in both formal and informal contexts.)
Antonyms
downplay (means to make something seem less important or impressive, the opposite of trying to present it at its best.)
Collocations
showcase talent
|showcase skills
|showcase products
|showcase work
|showcase new features
|showcase innovation
Themes
business
|media
|arts
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The documentary aims to showcase local artists who are usually overlooked by mainstream media.
- The company used the trade show to showcase its latest line of eco-friendly products.
- Her portfolio website is designed to showcase her graphic design skills.
- The festival will showcase films from first-time directors around the world.
- The chef created a special menu to showcase seasonal ingredients from nearby farms.
Learner examples
- The school website showcases students' best projects.
- He made a short video to showcase his programming skills.
- This event showcases new ideas from young designers.
- The gallery showcases paintings by local artists.
- She wore a simple dress to showcase her handmade jewelry.
Noun
B2
event
2
event or opportunity to display
an event or chance where people can see and judge the best parts of someone or something
Usage pattern:
a showcase for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "showcase" here means only a physical box. In modern usage, it very often means an event or opportunity (a talent showcase, a film showcase). They may also forget the typical pattern "a showcase for [something]" when talking about what is being displayed.
Synonyms
platform (suggests a place or situation that allows someone to be noticed; less focused on quality being displayed and more on opportunity.)
Antonyms
obscurity (describes a state of not being known or seen, the opposite of being prominently displayed in a showcase event.)
Collocations
talent showcase
|showcase event
|a showcase for new talent
|design showcase
|film showcase
|perfect showcase for [something]
Themes
arts
|entertainment
|business
|arts_entertainment
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The festival has become a major showcase for independent cinema.
- This conference is an important showcase for emerging technology startups.
- The opening ceremony served as a showcase of the country’s cultural diversity.
- Her first solo concert was a real showcase of her vocal range.
- The museum’s annual exhibition is a showcase for contemporary sculpture.
Learner examples
- The talent show is a showcase for young singers.
- This fashion show is a showcase of new styles.
- The trade fair is a showcase for new products.
- His first game was a showcase of his skills.
- The art fair is a showcase for local painters.
Noun
B1
entity
3
glass display case
a glass box or cabinet that shows things while keeping them safe
Usage pattern:
in a showcase
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this physical meaning with the event meaning and say things like "The concert was in a showcase" when they mean "The concert was a showcase". For the physical case, it usually holds objects, and people look at things "in a showcase" or "inside the showcase."
Synonyms
display case (a very close synonym; slightly more common in everyday modern use, especially in shops and museums.)
Antonyms
storage box (emphasizes keeping items hidden and stored rather than visible and on display.)
Collocations
glass showcase
|museum showcase
|storefront showcase
|display showcase
|locked showcase
|jewelry showcase
Themes
shopping
|art
|history
|daily_life
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- Ancient pottery filled a long glass showcase in the center of the gallery.
- The jeweler arranged the rings carefully in the front showcase.
- Each trophy was placed in a special showcase near the entrance.
- The rare coins are kept in a locked showcase to protect them.
- Dust had gathered on the old showcase in the antique shop.
Learner examples
- The watches are in the glass showcase.
- The museum keeps the old books in a showcase.
- The shop has a big showcase by the door.
- The gold ring was displayed in a small showcase.
- People looked at the phones inside the showcase.
Grammar
Dictionary form
showcase
IPA
GB/ʃˈoʊkˌeɪs/
US/ʃˈoʊkˌeɪs/
Syllables & stress
show - case (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (show)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: showcase
- Plural: showcases
Verb
- Base: showcase
- 3rd Person Singular: showcases
- Present Participle: showcasing
- Past: showcased
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.