Definition

In a way that suggests someone is being deceitful or not trustworthy.

Example

He looked at me shiftily, as if he was hiding something.

Conversation

Did you see how he was looking around shiftily during the meeting?

Yeah, it seemed like he was hiding something for sure.

I wonder what he was trying to cover up with that shiftily behavior.

Probably something he didn't want us to know!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shiftily is formed from "shift" (from Old English "sciftan", meaning to change or move) and "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word describes doing something in a manner that involves change or movement, often with a sense of slyness or deceit.

Memory Tip

Think of 'shifting' as changing or moving something, and the '-ly' means in that manner. So, shiftily means doing something in a sly or deceitful way.

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