The liquid crystal display device according to this invention comprises: a first substrate having a first polarization layer on a light incident side; a second substrate having a second polarization layer on a light outgoing side; a first birefringent medium disposed between the first polarization layer and the liquid crystal layer; a second birefringent medium disposed between the second polarization layer and the liquid crystal layer; a pixel electrode and a common electrode arranged on one of the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein an absorbing axis of the first polarization layer and an absorbing axis of the second polarization layer form an angle of from 88 degrees to 92 degrees; wherein the liquid crystal layer has a property that an in-plane refractive index anisotropy is induced in the liquid crystal layer by an electric field produced by the pixel electrode and the common electrode.