Cycle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🚴
cycle
[ˈsaɪkəl ]
Definitions
riding
A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cycle |
When referring to riding a bicycle.
|
| sequence |
Used to describe a particular order in which related events, movements, or things follow each other.
|
| pattern |
Used to describe a repeated decorative design or a repeated sequence of events, behaviors, or trends.
|
| rhythm |
Refers to a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound, most commonly used in relation to music or the flow of events.
|
Examples of usage
- The cycle of the seasons
- The cycle of life and death
bicycle
A two-wheeled vehicle that is propelled by pedals and steered by handlebars.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She rode her bike in the park
- He enjoys cycling in the mountains
repeating
To move in or follow a circular course.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cycle |
Use when referring to a sequence or a repeated series of events. It can also describe the act of riding a bicycle.
|
| circulate |
Best for describing the movement of something within a closed area or returning to its origin. Often used in reference to fluids, air, emails or documents.
|
| rotate |
Use when describing an object spinning around its own axis, or to indicate a regular change in position or role.
|
| revolve |
Perfect for describing something that moves around a central point or axis, usually in a smooth and continuous way.
|
Examples of usage
- The water cycles through the ecosystem
- The fan cycles on and off
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In ecology, a nutrient cycle describes how elements like carbon and nitrogen move through the environment, sustaining life.
- The water cycle explains how water evaporates, condenses, and falls as precipitation, a vital process for ecosystems.
- In physics, cycles are fundamental in understanding phenomena such as oscillations, waves, and rotations.
Literature
- Cycles are a common theme in literature, representing the journey of life and the return of characters or ideas.
- Many classic fairy tales depict cycles of conflict and resolution, often involving character growth or moral lessons.
- Writers like Homer and Shakespeare utilized cyclical structures to emphasize the repetitiveness of human experiences and fate.
Culture
- Different cultures celebrate cycles, like seasonal changes or life milestones, often with festivals that mark these transitions.
- In Eastern philosophies, cycles represent balance and harmony, particularly in concepts like yin and yang.
- The cyclical nature of time is a common belief in many Indigenous cultures, where history and future are seen as a continuous loop.
Technology
- Various technologies operate on cycles, such as computer processing cycles that determine operation speed.
- In renewable energy, technologies like wind and solar rely on cycles of nature, highlighting sustainability and efficiency.
- The concept of the lifecycle in product development emphasizes the stages from introduction to decline, guiding businesses in strategy.
Origin of 'cycle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'cyclus,' which means 'circle,' connecting to the idea of things returning to the same point.
- In Ancient Greek, 'kyklos' also means 'circle' and was used in various contexts to describe physical and abstract cycles.
- The concept of a cycle has been key in different cultures, symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and the natural rhythms of the world.
The word 'cycle' originated from the Greek word 'kyklos', meaning 'circle' or 'ring'. It has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to a wheel or a circle. Over time, its meaning expanded to include various repetitive sequences or processes. The concept of cycles is prevalent in nature, science, and everyday life, reflecting the interconnectedness and continuity of events.
See also: bicycle, cycles, cyclic, cyclical, cycling, cyclist, recycle, upcycle.