In my new research, about TiAlN thin films, i constantly use the word "shift". I would like to know if i can write "displacement" as a synonym, with the intention to not repeat the words.
The term "displacement" implies that something has been moved from its rightful place, which gives it a negative connotation. In contrast, "shift" is emotionally neutral. Additionally, I feel like the "displacement" typically refers to physical objects.
In any case, you shouldn't be concerned about repetition. Scientific papers aren't poetry, and repetition can actually enhance clarity and comprehension.
I recommend Jakub's answer, but I want to emphasize my agreement.
Find the best word and keep using it - yes. Using a variety of words for the same thing can help make a variety of genres more interesting, but ignore that writing "rule" in your scientific writing for publication.
"Displacement" does not always have negative connotations, such as when dealing with kinematics in physics, but that leads me to agree with Jakub's second point - that "displacement" is the better word for physical change in spatial location. "Shift" is better for a peak position on a diffractogram (or DSC trace, etc.).
Displacement in powder diffraction in many cases can suggest that the peaks are shifted due to an error (displacement exactly) present when the sample was badly prepared for the measurement. It is an error with an angular dependence. Shift of peaks can instead be due to differences in lattice parameters. So in general they are not synonyms, but it depends on your intent when you use these words.
I agree with Marcella
I want to add my opinion, in simple explain, "displacement" mean in the term of "change, replace", it corresponds to two different materials, while "shift" mean "move", it refers to the change in structure of one material
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