Shifter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shifter
[ˈʃɪftər ]
Definitions
vehicle part
A shifter is a mechanism used to change gears in a vehicle's transmission system. It allows the driver to select different gears for acceleration, deceleration, and cruising. Shifters can be manual or automatic, depending on the type of transmission in the vehicle.
Synonyms
gear lever, gear stick, transmission control.
Examples of usage
- I need to replace the shifter in my car.
- She expertly navigated the roads while using the manual shifter.
- The shifter in his truck was getting stuck.
role
A shifter can also refer to a person or thing that changes or alters something. In a broader context, it can describe someone involved in a significant transformation or shift in a situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He is known as a shifter in the world of politics.
- Trends are often driven by creative shifters in the fashion industry.
- This new technology is a major shifter in how we communicate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'shifter'
The word 'shifter' originates from the verb 'shift,' which dates back to the Old English word 'scyftan,' meaning 'to cause to move.' 'Shift' has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*skuftan', signifying the action of pushing or moving something. Over time, the term evolved, especially in the context of machinery and transportation. By the early 20th century, with the rise of automobiles, the term 'shifter' became more commonly used to denote the gear-changing mechanism in vehicles. Its usage has since broadened, now also representing individuals or entities that bring about significant changes in various contexts, reflecting a dynamic aspect of the word's evolution.