Shelve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shelve
[ʃɛlv ]
Definitions
library
To place or arrange on a shelf or shelves.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shelve |
Used when placing items, such as books or files, on shelves for organization. Also can imply postponing a plan or project.
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| place |
General term for putting something in a specific location.
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| store |
Used when keeping items in a particular place for future use, usually for a long period.
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| arrange |
Used when organizing items in a specific order or pattern, such as setting up a room or planning an event.
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Examples of usage
- She shelve the books in alphabetical order.
- He shelve the books by genre.
postpone
To set aside or defer an issue, plan, or proposal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shelve |
When you temporarily set aside a project or plan without necessarily abandoning it, usually for an indefinite period.
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| delay |
When there is a hold-up or slowing down of progress, often implying an inconvenience or frustration.
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| suspend |
When you temporarily stop an activity or situation, often related to official actions or legal matters.
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| defer |
When you postpone something to a later date, often with a formal or respectful tone.
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Examples of usage
- The company decided to shelve the project due to budget constraints.
- The government chose to shelve the bill until the next session.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'shelve'
The word 'shelve' originated from the Middle English word 'shevelen', which means 'to divide, separate'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to placing items on shelves. The modern usage of 'shelve' to mean 'to postpone or set aside' emerged in the 19th century.
See also: shelf.