makeshift
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Done or made using whatever is available: Describes something created quickly for temporary use, often from available materials, because the proper or ideal item is not available.
Noun:
- Something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency: A temporary and often improvised substitute or solution used until something better can be obtained.
Examples
Adjective:
- We built a makeshift shelter from branches and a tarp.
- A stack of books served as a makeshift desk.
Noun:
- This old crate is just a makeshift until the new table arrives.
- The emergency kit was a useful makeshift during the power outage.
Advanced Usage
Used attributively: Often used directly before a noun to describe its temporary nature.
- They set up a makeshift hospital in the school gym.
Implied impermanence: The word strongly implies that the solution is not intended to be permanent and may be less effective or secure.
- The makeshift repair held for a few days before failing.
Variants and Related Words
- Improvised (adj): Created spontaneously without preparation.
- Jury-rigged (adj): Assembled in a makeshift manner, especially for temporary use in an emergency (often for mechanical or structural things).
- Stopgap (n): A temporary substitute or measure.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Improvised, temporary, provisional, stopgap, emergency.
- Noun: Substitute, stopgap, expedient, temporary measure.
Related Phrases
Makeshift arrangement: A temporary plan or agreement.
- The peace treaty was only a makeshift arrangement.
Of a makeshift nature: Describing something that has the qualities of being temporary and improvised.
- The entire camp was of a makeshift nature.
Adjective
- done or made using whatever is available
- crossed the river on improvised bridges
- the survivors used jury-rigged fishing gear
- the rock served as a makeshift hammer
Noun
- something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency