shifts
|shifts|
/ʃɪfts/
(shift)
change position or state
Etymology
'shift' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sciftan' (or 'scifan'), where the root meant 'to divide, arrange or separate.'
'shift' changed from Old English 'sciftan' and related Old Norse forms (such as 'skifta') into Middle English forms like 'shiften' or 'schiften' and eventually became the modern English word 'shift'.
Initially it meant 'to divide, separate, or arrange,' and over time it evolved into the current primary meanings of 'to move, change position, or transfer (responsibility, focus, etc.)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'shift': a scheduled period of work (e.g., morning shift, night shift).
She usually works two night shifts a week.
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Noun 2
plural of 'shift': changes in position, arrangement, or emphasis.
There have been several shifts in public opinion recently.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'shift': to move something slightly or change its position.
He shifts the boxes to make more space.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'shift': to change or transfer responsibility, blame, or focus.
She often shifts the blame onto others when things go wrong.
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Verb 3
third-person singular present of 'shift': to change gears in a vehicle or change the mode/approach (figurative).
When traffic slowed, he shifts into a lower gear.
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Last updated: 2025/09/25 17:19