Definition

Adverb: * In a manner that is evasive, deceitful, or untrustworthy; suggesting a guilty or secretive nature.

Usage

The adverb "shiftily" is used to describe how an action, particularly looking or behaving, is performed. It implies the person is acting with dishonesty, guilt, or an intention to conceal something. It often modifies verbs related to observation or movement (e.g., to look, to glance, to behave).

Examples

• The suspect answered the detective's questions shiftily, avoiding eye contact.
• He glanced shiftily over his shoulder before entering the building.
• "I don't know anything about it," she said shiftily, fidgeting with her hands.

Advanced Usage

• Literary/Descriptive Use: Used in narrative writing to convey a character's untrustworthy nature or secretive actions without stating it directly.
  • The merchant smiled shiftily, his eyes calculating the potential profit.

Variants and Related Words

• Shifty (adjective): Having a deceitful or evasive character; not looking honest.
  • He had a shifty expression that made me nervous.
• Shiftiness (noun): The quality of being shifty.
  • The shiftiness of his behavior aroused suspicion.

Synonyms

• Evasively
• Deceitfully
• Furtively
• Slyly
• Guiltily
• Sneakily

Antonyms

• Honestly
• Frankly
• Directly
• Openly
• Guilelessly

Adverb

1. in a shifty manner
   • he looked at his new customer shiftily