shifty
|shift-y|
B2
/ˈʃɪfti/
deceitful or evasive
Etymology
Etymology Information
'shifty' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'schifty,' where 'shift' meant 'to change or move.'
Historical Evolution
'schifty' transformed into the modern English word 'shifty' through gradual phonetic changes.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'capable of changing or moving,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'deceitful or evasive.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
characterized by deceitfulness or evasiveness.
He gave her a shifty look when she asked about the missing money.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
constantly changing or not stable.
The weather has been quite shifty this week.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45