SHIFTILY Meaning and
Definition
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Shiftily is an adverb that describes an individual's actions or behavior when they are displaying a secretive, cunning, or suspicious demeanor. It signifies someone who engages in sly or deceitful activities, often attempting to be discreet about their intentions. This term is commonly used to convey someone's evasiveness, typically in order to avoid detection or to manipulate a situation to their advantage.
When someone acts shiftily, they may exhibit characteristics such as shifty eyes, appearing nervous or edgy, or avoiding direct eye contact. This behavior often arises in situations where dishonesty or illicit actions are involved, giving off an impression of untrustworthiness. Additionally, an individual may use evasive language or employ ambiguous mannerisms when their intentions are questionable.
The term "shiftily" conveys a sense of suspicion or hidden motives, and can be used to describe someone's behavior in a variety of settings. It can be observed in personal interactions, such as when someone avoids answering a direct question or when they quietly maneuver behind the scenes to manipulate people or events. In a professional setting, it may describe an individual who engages in underhanded tactics or operates in a clandestine manner to further their own agenda.
In summary, shiftily refers to the secretive and cunning behavior characterized by evasiveness, slyness, and untrustworthiness, often displayed by individuals who are trying to conceal their true intentions.
Common Misspellings for SHIFTILY
Etymology of SHIFTILY
The word shiftily is derived from the noun shift, which has Old English origins. In Old English, sciftan meant to divide or to arrange. Over time, this word developed various meanings, including to move or to change. Eventually, the noun shift emerged, referring to a change or movement. The suffix -ly is added to the noun to form an adverb, which means in a manner related to the noun. Therefore, shiftily means in a manner related to a shift or in a way that implies change or movement.
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