Shiftily: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
shiftily
[ หสษชf.tษช.li ]
manner of behavior
Shiftily refers to acting in a deceitful or evasive manner, often characterized by a lack of confidence or a tendency to shift one's gaze. It suggests an attempt to avoid directness or truthfulness.
Synonyms
dodgingly, evasively, furtively
Examples of usage
- He glanced shiftily around the room.
- She answered the questions shiftily, avoiding eye contact.
- The politician spoke shiftily when asked about the scandal.
Translations
Translations of the word "shiftily" in other languages:
๐ต๐น de maneira evasiva
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฒเคพเคเฅ เคธเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช schlรผpfrig
๐ฎ๐ฉ dengan licik
๐บ๐ฆ ัั ะธะปัะฝะพ
๐ต๐ฑ z ukrycia
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใใใจ
๐ซ๐ท de maniรจre sournoise
๐ช๐ธ de manera astuta
๐น๐ท sinsi bir ลekilde
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตํํ๊ฒ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุดูู ู ุฑูุจ
๐จ๐ฟ podvodnฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ podvodne
๐จ๐ณ ็ก็พๅฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ zavito
๐ฎ๐ธ hrokka
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะดะฐะผัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแงแฃแแ แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ aldadฤฑcฤฑ ลษkildษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ de manera astuta
Etymology
The word 'shiftily' is derived from the adjective 'shift', which has Old English origins from the word 'sceรพan', meaning 'to cause to change or alter'. Over time, 'shift' I have evolved in English to encompass meanings associated with moving or changing positions or states, which inherently carries a notion of instability or deceit. The suffix '-ly' indicates that the word functions as an adverb, modifying verbs to describe an action done in a particular manner. The notion of shifty behavior has its roots in the characterizations of someone who cannot be trusted, often linked to actions displaying evasiveness or deception. As societies evolved, so did language, broadening the interpretations associated with 'shiftily' to encompass a spectrum of unreliable behaviors, behaviors characterized by cleverness at the expense of honesty.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,431, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.