Skiftende

Skiftende is a Norwegian adjective that describes something that changes or varies over time. It is commonly used with nouns to indicate a temporary or periodic change, and can function both attributively (skiftende vær, skiftende humør) and predicatively (Været er skiftende).

Etymology and varieties: Skiftende comes from the verb skifte, which derives from Old Norse skifta (to change, exchange). It is related to the English shift and the Swedish skifta. On Bokmål it is written skiftende, while on Nynorsk the form skiftande is used.

Usage and nuance: The term signals that the change is not constant but occurs in phases or in alternating conditions. It is often applied to weather, light, mood, or other phenomena that exhibit variability over time. In different contexts, synonyms such as varierende, vekslende, or foranderlig may be used, depending on emphasis.

Common contexts: Skiftende vær (changing weather), skiftende lysforhold (varying lighting conditions), skiftende humør (varying mood). It may appear in scientific, literary, or everyday descriptions to convey dynamism and fluctuation rather than permanence.

See also: skifte (verb), vekslende, varierende, foranderlig. In addition, the nynorsk form skiftande is used instead of skiftende.