Pivot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pivot
[หpษชvษt ]
Definitions
mathematics
The central or most important part around which other things revolve or are arranged.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pivot |
See the first entry for 'pivot'. |
| center |
Used to describe the middle point or main area of something, often physically or metaphorically. It can also denote something that is of utmost importance in a given context.
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| hub |
Generally denotes a central location where activities converge or where things are coordinated. Often used for places or organizations serving as a focal point for transport, business, or communication.
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| focus |
Refers to the main point of interest or activity, or the act of concentrating attention or effort on something. It's often used in personal or academic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The company has made the smartphone the pivot of its entertainment strategy.
- The pivot of the discussion was the impact of climate change on agriculture.
basketball
A movement in which a player holding the ball may move in any direction with one foot while keeping the other foot at its point of contact with the floor.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pivot |
Use 'pivot' when referring to a central point around which something turns or balances, or to describe a crucial turning point in a process, strategy, or conversation.
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| turn |
Use 'turn' in a general sense for changing direction or orientation, physically or metaphorically. It's the most versatile of the group.
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| spin |
Use 'spin' to imply rapid turning around a central point, often with a sense of speed or dizziness. It can also mean adding a particular interpretation to a situation.
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| rotate |
Use 'rotate' when describing something that turns around its own axis or when referring to people or tasks taking turns in a sequence.
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Examples of usage
- The player executed a perfect pivot to avoid the defender.
- He used a pivot to create space for a shot.
business
To change direction or course quickly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pivot |
Use 'pivot' when talking about changing direction or focus in a way that maintains a central point or core idea. This is often used in business or strategy contexts.
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| shift |
Use 'shift' when referring to a significant change in position, direction, or focus. This can apply to physical movements, changes in opinion, or transitions.
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| reposition |
Use 'reposition' when talking about changing the placement or positioning of something in a physical or strategic way. This is often used in marketing or with physical objects.
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| adjust |
Use 'adjust' when making small changes or tweaks to improve something or to ensure it fits better. It is often used in everyday situations and has a more general application.
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Examples of usage
- The company decided to pivot its marketing strategy towards a younger demographic.
- In response to customer feedback, the startup pivoted to focus on a different product.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Business & Technology
- In business, 'pivoting' refers to a significant shift in strategy to adapt to changes in the market or customer needs.
- Successful startups often pivot to find a more profitable business model, showing the flexibility in entrepreneurship.
- Tech companies frequently pivot their products based on user feedback to improve functionality and user experience.
Sports
- In basketball, pivoting allows players to maintain control of the ball while surveying the court for passing options.
- A common technique involves using a 'pivot foot' to create space from defenders while still maintaining dribbling options.
- Pivoting is essential in many sports like soccer and tennis, enabling athletes to change direction quickly and effectively.
Psychology
- The concept of 'cognitive pivoting' describes how individuals adjust their thinking in response to new information or changes in their environment.
- Research shows that individuals who can pivot their mindset are often better problem solvers, adapting strategies when faced with challenges.
- Mindfulness training often emphasizes the importance of pivoting thoughts to avoid negative thinking patterns.
Pop Culture
- 'Pivot' became widely popular in pop culture after a famous scene in the TV show 'Friends' where Ross tries to move a couch up a staircase.
- The word is often used in memes or references highlighting moments of change or abrupt shifts in topics or situations.
- It has been adopted in various motivational discussions, symbolizing the importance of adaptability in life.
Origin of 'pivot'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle French 'pivot', meaning a pin or a pivot point.
- It originally referred to a shaft or rod on which something turns or rotates.
- Used in English since the 15th century, its meaning has expanded over time to include metaphorical applications in various fields.
The word 'pivot' originated from the 14th-century Old French word 'pivote', meaning 'hinge or pin'. It later evolved in English to refer to a central point around which something turns or revolves. In business, the term gained popularity through the concept of 'pivot or persevere', meaning to change direction or strategy if necessary to achieve success. In sports like basketball, the pivot move became crucial for players to create space and evade defenders. Today, 'pivot' is widely used across various fields to indicate a shift or rotation.
See also: pivotal.