The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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shift

verb

/ʃɪft/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of shift

To change or move from one position, state, or condition to another.
"The company decided to shift its manufacturing operations to a new facility."

Detailed meaning of shift

It involves a transition or adjustment that alters the existing situation or arrangement. Shifting can occur in various aspects, such as physical location, focus, perspective, responsibility, or emphasis. It implies a deliberate or involuntary movement or modification of a particular element. When we shift, we are essentially repositioning ourselves, redirecting our attention, or adapting to a new circumstance. This action often involves a change in mindset, behavior, or approach to accommodate the evolving circumstances or requirements. Shifting can be subtle or significant, ranging from minor adjustments to complete transformations. It is a dynamic process that allows for flexibility, adaptation, and progress, enabling individuals or systems to navigate through different phases or situations effectively.

Example sentences containing shift

1. I need to shift gears to tackle this new project efficiently.
2. The wind started to shift, causing the sails to flap wildly.
3. As she spoke, I could see her expression shift from confusion to understanding.
4. During the meeting, the focus seemed to shift from productivity to employee satisfaction.
5. When the tectonic plates shift, it can cause earthquakes.
6. You'll have to shift your weight onto your front foot to make that golf swing.

History and etymology of shift

The verb 'shift' finds its etymological roots in the Old English word 'sciftan,' which meant to move or arrange something, particularly clothing. This Old English term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*skiftan,' which carried the notion of changing or exchanging. The word 'shift' gradually expanded its meanings in Middle English, encompassing the idea of changing one's position or state, as well as rearranging or altering something. Over the centuries, 'shift' has retained its core sense of moving or changing from one condition to another, making it a versatile and widely used term in the English language today.

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Further usage examples of shift

1. The manager decided to shift Peter to the morning shift next week.
2. As night turned into day, the colors in the sky began to shift dramatically.
3. Can you please shift the table to the left a little?
4. The company's strategy needs to shift in order to adapt to the changing market.
5. I had to shift my perspective to truly appreciate the complexity of the issue.
6. The shift in the tone of her voice told me that something was wrong.
7. The tectonic plates slowly shift beneath the Earth's surface.
8. She had to shift her focus from work to family for a while.
9. The gears in the car began to shift smoothly after repairs.
10. We need to shift our strategy to adapt to market changes.
11. The weather patterns in this region can quickly shift.
12. His decision to shift careers was met with mixed reactions.
13. The political landscape is likely to shift in the coming years.
14. We should shift our meeting to accommodate everyone's schedule.
15. The team needs to shift its mindset to embrace innovation.
16. He can't shift his responsibility onto others; it's his job.
17. The music abruptly shifted to a faster tempo.
18. The company's stock price may shift unpredictably.
19. The artist decided to shift to a more abstract style.
20. It's important to shift your weight when riding a bike.
21. The conversation took an unexpected shift toward politics.
22. Let's shift our focus to finding a solution to the problem.
23. As seasons change, the colors of the landscape shift.
24. She had to shift her plans due to unforeseen circumstances.
25. We need to shift our mindset to embrace sustainability.
26. The project's timeline had to shift due to delays.