different between changeful vs shifting

English

Etymology

change +? -ful

Adjective

changeful (comparative more changeful, superlative most changeful)

1. (rare) Changing frequently; very susceptible to change

   Synonyms: variable, fickle

   • 1606, William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, act 4, scene 4, line 99:

     When we will tempt the frailty of our powers, presuming on their changeful potency.

Translations

References

• “changeful” in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
• changeful in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

English

Noun

shifting (plural shiftings)

1. A shift or change; a shifting movement.
   • 1811, Charles Lamb, On the Tragedies of Shakespeare Considered with Reference to their Fitness for Stage Representation

     I remember the last time I saw Macbeth played, the discrepancy I felt at the changes of garment which he varied, the shiftings and reshiftings, like a Romish priest at mass.

   • 1978, Jack Vance, The View from Chickweed's Window

     Then everyone moved at the same time — slight shiftings of the hands and feet, furtive easings of position.

2. (linguistics) The phenomenon by which two or more constituents appearing on the same side of their common head exchange positions to obtain non-canonical order.

Derived terms

• gear-shifting

Verb

shifting

1. present participle of shift

Anagrams

• infights