Makeshift

Word: makeshift (adjective, noun)

Associations

The word "makeshift" means something temporary and used because there is no better option. It often describes things that are quickly made or put together to solve a problem for a short time.

  • As an adjective: "They used a makeshift shelter during the storm." This means the shelter was temporary and not perfect but good enough for now.
  • As a noun: "The old box served as a makeshift for a table." Here, "makeshift" means a temporary substitute.
  • It is often used when something is not planned or ideal but works in an emergency or short term.

Synonym: "temporary"
Difference: "Temporary" means lasting only for a limited time, but "makeshift" also suggests something quickly made and not very strong or perfect.

Substitution

You can replace "makeshift" with:

  • temporary (focuses on time, less on quality)
  • improvised (focuses on being made quickly with available materials)
  • provisional (official but temporary)
  • stopgap (something used to fill a gap temporarily)

Example: "They built an improvised shelter" means similar to "makeshift shelter," but "improvised" highlights creativity.

Deconstruction

  • "make" (verb) means to create or build.
  • "shift" (noun/verb) can mean change or move. The word "makeshift" comes from the idea of something "made to shift" or "made to serve temporarily." It originally meant a thing made to serve as a substitute.

Inquiry

  • Can you think of a time when you had to use something makeshift because the usual thing was not available?
  • How would you describe a makeshift solution in school or work?
  • What feelings do you get when you use or see something makeshift? Does it feel clever, desperate, or something else?
Model: gpt-4.1-mini