adj
shifty
SHIHF-tee
Shifty (adj) means looking or behaving as if dishonest or untrustworthy; evasive. Example: “He gave a shifty answer when asked where he had been.”
adj
1
Looking or behaving as if dishonest or untrustworthy; evasive.
"He gave a shifty answer when asked where he had been."
"The shifty-looking stranger avoided eye contact."
How to use shifty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSeeming dishonest or suspicious, often through nervous or evasive behaviour.
Common pairings
shifty eyes
a shifty character
look shifty
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Word forms
- Comparative
- shiftier
- Superlative
- shiftiest
Fill the gap
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He gave a _____ answer when asked where he had been.
Etymology
Built from shift + -y, originally describing someone resourceful with "shifts" (tricks or schemes), which shifted toward meaning dishonest.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shifty
See all rhymes for shifty →Frequently asked questions
What does “shifty” mean?
The word “shifty” means looking or behaving as if dishonest or untrustworthy; evasive. In plain terms, seeming dishonest or suspicious, often through nervous or evasive behaviour.
How do you pronounce “shifty”?
“Shifty” is pronounced SHIHF-tee (/ˈʃɪfti/ in IPA).
How do you use “shifty” in a sentence?
Here is “shifty” used in a sentence: “He gave a shifty answer when asked where he had been.”
What part of speech is “shifty”?
“Shifty” is an adjective.
