Makeshift: meaning, definitions and examples

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makeshift

 

[ หˆmeษชkสƒษชft ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

temporary solution

Makeshift refers to something that is intended to be a temporary solution or substitute in the absence of a more permanent or suitable option. It is often created quickly or with limited resources and might not be very durable or reliable. The term is commonly used to describe items, structures, or arrangements that are improvised or not fully functional but serve a purpose for the time being. Makeshift solutions are often necessary in emergencies or when time is of the essence.

Synonyms

ad hoc, improvised, provisional, temporary

Examples of usage

  • He used a makeshift table from an old pallet.
  • They erected a makeshift shelter after the storm.
  • The makeshift bandage held until help arrived.

Translations

Translations of the word "makeshift" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น improvisado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคธเฅเคฅเคพเคฏเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช provisorisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sementara

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะธะผั‡ะฐัะพะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tymczasowy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้–“ใซๅˆใ‚ใ›ใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท provisoire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ provisional

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท geรงici

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž„์‹œ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุคู‚ุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ doฤasnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ doฤasnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธดๆ—ถ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zaฤasno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tรญmabundinn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัƒะฐา›ั‹ั‚ัˆะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ แƒแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรผvษ™qqษ™ti

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ provisional

Etymology

The word 'makeshift' originates from the late 19th century, combining the base 'make' with the suffix '-shift', which means to adapt or change. The term was first recorded in English in the 1860s and referred to something created for a specific, often unplanned purpose, usually as a stopgap measure. The roots of 'make' can be traced back to the Old English 'macian', meaning 'to make or create', while '-shift' is related to the Old English 'scoft', which has connotations of 'to move or change'. Over the years, 'makeshift' has come to be associated with quick fixes and improvisational solutions, particularly in times of crisis or inadequate supply, highlighting human ingenuity in adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,865, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.