Abstract: An optically inactive mesomorphic compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 characterized by having a terminal group of: --A.sub.3 --C.sub.r F.sub.2r+1, where A.sub.3 is a specific cyclic group and r is 2-18, is suitable as a component for a liquid crystal composition providing improved response characteristics and a high contrast. A liquid crystal device is constituted by disposing the liquid crystal composition between a pair of electrode plates. The liquid crystal device is used as a display panel constituting a display apparatus (or display method) providing good display characteristics.