function shift

function change

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noun

grammar a change in the syntactic function of a word, as when the noun mushroom is used as an intransitive verb

linguistics sound change involving a realignment of the phonemic system of a language

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby function shift

functional water, functionary, function creep, functioning, function key, function shift, function space, function word, functor, fund, fundament

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use function shift in a sentence

Do you think that as we get older our thoughts shift to the more abstract, the music, than the definite, the lyrics?
Belle & Sebastian Aren’t So Shy Anymore|James Joiner|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
As Sutton shows in his book, the important shift took place gradually, from the end of the Civil War until World War II.
The Evangelical Apocalypse Is All Your Fault|Jay Michaelson|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Most other social justice movements are seeking some shift of power and money.
The Real Story Behind the Fight for Marriage Equality|E.J. Graff|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Another beautiful Eminor number, with a nice shift up to the major for the chorus.
Yes, I Like Christmas Music. Stop Laughing.|Michael Tomasky|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST

And Asians also showed a shift toward the GOP in the mid-terms.
Time to Bring Back the Truman Democrats|Joel Kotkin|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To prevent intruders or extruders from withdrawing his mind from the text, he exercises the Inhibitory function of the Attention.
Assimilative Memory|Marcus Dwight Larrowe (AKA Prof. A. Loisette)
Little girls perhaps represent the attractive function of adornment: they like to be thought pretty.
Children's Ways|James Sully
This is hardly a function—parties even in the big political country-houses are more or less informal.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
The question was put rather testily and caused the other to shift uncomfortably before making answer.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
No definite proof of this position has, however, as yet been adduced, and the function of the compound is entirely unknown.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry|Thomas Anderson