A display element includes a dielectric material layer 3, provided between a pair of substrates (substrates 1 and 2), which is made of a medium showing optical isotropy when no electric field is applied and showing optical anisotropy when an electric field is applied. Further, comb-shaped electrodes 4 and 5 are provided face to face on the substrate 1 so as to be positioned in a surface which faces the substrate 2. Furthermore, polarizing plates 6 and 7 are respectively provided on rear surfaces with respect to the counter surfaces of the substrates 1 and 2. Thus, it is possible to realize the display element which has a wide driving temperature range, a wide viewing angle property, and a high-speed response property.