non-shifting
|non-shift-ing|
🇺🇸
/nɑnˈʃɪftɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/nɒnˈʃɪftɪŋ/
not moving or changing
Etymology
'non-shifting' originates from English, formed by the prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') added to the present participle 'shifting' from the verb 'shift'.
'shift' comes from Old English and Old Norse roots (e.g. Old Norse 'skifta' / Old English 'sciftan') meaning 'to divide' or 'to arrange', which developed into the modern verb 'shift' meaning 'to move or change position'; the compound 'non-' + 'shifting' is a straightforward modern English formation.
Initially, related roots of 'shift' conveyed 'divide' or 'change place/arrangement'; over time the core sense settled on 'move or change', and 'non-shifting' therefore means 'not moving or changing'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not shifting; remaining fixed in position or not changing over time.
The non-shifting base kept the display steady even when the table was bumped.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/23 17:53