Cool MateDisplace vs Move it around
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Displace
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Move it around
Top 2,000 (common)
| Displace | Move it around | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈpleɪs/","/dɪsˈpleɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈpleɪst/","/dɪsˈpleɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈpleɪs/","/dɪsˈpleɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈpleɪst/","/dɪsˈpleɪsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //muːv ɪt əˈraʊnd//🇺🇸 //muːv ɪt əˈraʊnd// |
| Meaning | To move something from its usual place. | To change the position of something. |
| Example | Gradually factory workers have been displaced by machines. | Can you move it around to see if it fits better? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | displace families, displace workers, displace animals, displace heat, displace water | move around furniture, move it around gently, move things around, move it around frequently, move it around for fun |
| Antonyms | place, settle, establish | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Displace' used incorrectly as 'replace' which has a different meaning., Confusion with 'displace' as a synonym for 'displace' in all contexts., Incorrect subject-verb agreement, such as using 'displaces' with a plural subject. | Confuse with 'move' alone, missing 'it'., Use 'move around it' instead of 'move it around'., Omit 'it' when 'it' is necessary. |
| Usage notes | Use 'displace' when talking about moving something physical or when referring to people being forced from their homes. Avoid in casual contexts; prefer simpler terms like 'move'. | Use in both formal and informal contexts. Suitable when discussing physical objects or metaphoric ideas. Avoid in very technical or scientific discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Displace vs Move it around
What's the difference between Displace and Move it around?
Displace: To move something from its usual place. Move it around: To change the position of something.
Can you show an example of each?
Displace: Gradually factory workers have been displaced by machines. Move it around: Can you move it around to see if it fits better?
Can I use Displace and Move it around interchangeably?
Not always. Displace and Move it around are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.