Master confusing words with ease
Displace vs. Misplace
Displace
/dɪsˈpleɪs/Examples:
New lists continually displaced the old ones.The storm displaced thousands of residents from their homes.Migrations often displace local traditions and customs.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Misplace
/ˌmɪsˈpleɪs/Examples:
I often misplace my keys in the morning rush.Her habit to misplace documents caused several delays.He tends to misplace items when distracted.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Displace often implies moving something out of its usual or original location, like when wind displaces leaves from a tree.
- Misplace suggests that something was unintentionally put somewhere, and you can't remember where, like misplacing your keys.
- Displacement usually involves an action from outside, while misplacement comes from a mistake within.
- To displace can suggest a permanent or significant shift, whereas misplacing is more likely temporary and less severe.
- Think of dis in displace as disruptive force and mis in misplace as a mistake by oneself.
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