To exhibit means to show or display something, especially in a public or formal way. When a museum exhibits ancient artifacts, it arranges them carefully so visitors can see and learn from them. When a student exhibits confidence during a presentation, she shows that quality clearly through her voice and body language.

An exhibit (the noun form) is something displayed for others to see, like the dinosaur exhibit at a natural history museum or a science fair exhibit explaining how volcanoes work. Artists exhibit their paintings in galleries. Scientists exhibit their discoveries at conferences. Schools might exhibit student artwork in the hallways.

The word carries a sense of intention: you're deliberately showing something for a purpose. A dog might exhibit signs of excitement when you grab the leash, or a sick person might exhibit symptoms that help the doctor figure out what's wrong. In a courtroom, lawyers exhibit evidence, formally presenting documents or objects to support their case.

Notice that exhibit suggests some pride or purpose in the showing. You might casually show your friend a photo, but you exhibit your best photographs in a competition where others can appreciate your skill.