Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
A change of direction or a movement downwards.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A reduction in quality or quantity.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A change in career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A shift of a transmission into a lower gear, as dictated by heavier load on the engine, as for example when climbing a hill or strongly accelerating.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US
Topics: automotive, cycling, hobbies, lifestyle, sports, transport, vehicles
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: upshift
Broader terms: gear change
verb
To reduce (something) in quality or quantity (as effect, scope, speed, etc.)
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: attenuate
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To change (one's career or lifestyle) to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To shift (a car or bicycle) into a lower gear.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US, transitive
Topics: automotive, cycling, hobbies, lifestyle, sports, transport, vehicles
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: upshift
Broader terms: shift gears
verb
To function at a lower rate; to slacken.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US, intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To change one's career or lifestyle to one which is not as well paid but less stressful and more personally rewarding.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US, intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To shift a transmission into a lower gear.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: Canada, US, intransitive
Topics: automotive, cycling, hobbies, lifestyle, sports, transport, vehicles
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: upshift
noun
a change to a lower gear in a car or bicycle
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: change
noun
a change from a financially rewarding but stressful career to a less well paid but more fulfilling one
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: change
History
The noun is derived from down (preposition) + shift (“slight change or movement”). The verb is derived from the noun.
Across languages
8 source translations are retained for this English entry.
