noun / verb
shift
SHIFT/ʃˈɪft/
A change from one position or condition to another.
The woman shifts the heavy armchair to a new spot.
Etymology
Old English sciftan meant to arrange or distribute. Later senses included altering and replacing, then moving from one position to another—the change central to modern shift.
In context
So to heal from shame, we need to catch ourselves in this form of hiding and self-justifying and constantly make the choice to shift our attention back to making repairs.
More examples
- The new budget reflects a shift in our priorities.
- We shifted the meeting from Monday to Wednesday.
- A sudden shift in the wind sends smoke toward us.
Forms
shift · shifts · shifted · shifting
Similar words
- change
- Covers alterations generally, without suggesting movement between positions or states.
- move
- Usually describes physical motion rather than a change in condition.
- transition
- Emphasizes passage between states or stages, not simply physical movement.