What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
displacement
Example
The displacement of the boat caused waves to ripple across the water. [displacement: noun]
Example
The new machine will displace the old one in the factory. [displace: verb]
shift
Example
The shift in the wind caused the leaves to rustle. [shift: noun]
Example
I need to shift my attention to this project now. [shift: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shift is a more common word than displacement in everyday language, and it is used in a wider range of contexts. Displacement is more commonly used in scientific or technical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between displacement and shift?
Displacement is generally considered a more formal word than shift, which is more commonly used in informal contexts.
