Shifting
'ʃɪftɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo move or cause to move; change position or direction.
'ʃɪftɪŋ
To move or cause to move from one place to another, especially slightly.
The wind is shifting the sand dunes.
💡 Simply: Think of moving your body slightly to get more comfortable, or rearranging furniture in your room. It's all about changing something's position.
👶 For kids: Moving something a little bit, like when you wiggle in your chair.
More Examples
The company is shifting its focus to new markets.
The car shifted gears smoothly.
How It's Used
"She shifted in her chair, uncomfortable with the topic."
"The tectonic plates are constantly shifting."
To change one's position or direction; to undergo a change in character, direction, or position.
'ʃɪftɪŋ
To change or alter (something, especially an opinion or method).
Her mood shifted from happy to sad.
💡 Simply: Imagine your mind changing about something. Maybe you used to not like broccoli, but now you do. It means something is changing.
👶 For kids: When something is changing, like when you change your mind about what to eat for dinner.
More Examples
The debate shifted the focus of the discussion.
The market shifted its preference towards electric vehicles.
How It's Used
"Public opinion is shifting on the issue of climate change."
"The company shifted its marketing strategy to target younger consumers."
A change or movement from one position or state to another.
'ʃɪftɪŋ
The act or process of changing position or direction; a change.
There was a dramatic shift in public opinion.
💡 Simply: Think of it as a change, like when you switch from one class to another or the world changing around you.
👶 For kids: When something is changing, like when you change your clothes.
More Examples
The night shift is responsible for security.
The tectonic plates caused a sudden shift in the landscape.
How It's Used
"The recent shifts in the economic climate have caused concern."
"The night shift is often quieter than the day shift."
Synonyms
Adjust
Change
Move
Rearrange
Relocate
Alter
Evolve
Modify
Adjustment
Alteration
Modification
Movement
Idioms & expressions
shift gears
To change one's approach or direction; to switch to a different activity or focus.
"After finishing the first task, she shifted gears and started on the second one."
From Middle English shiften, from Old English sciftan ('to divide, arrange'), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *skiftaną ('to separate, divide').
The word 'shifting' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially to describe the movement of physical objects. Its usage has expanded over time to include changes in ideas, situations, and attitudes.
Memory tip
Imagine moving a heavy box - it's a shift!