Pivot: meaning, definitions and examples

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pivot

 

[หˆpษชvษ™t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The central or most important part around which other things revolve or are arranged.

Synonyms

center, focus, hub.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The city center is always bustling with activity.
  • At the center of the discussion was the need for educational reform.
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.

  • The airport is a major hub for international flights.
  • The universityโ€™s innovation hub fosters start-up ventures.
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.

  • The primary focus of the project is sustainability.
  • She needs to focus on her studies to pass the exam.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

rotate, spin, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The company's decision to pivot to online sales was a game-changer
  • She pivoted on her heel and walked away
turn

Use 'turn' in a general sense for changing direction or orientation, physically or metaphorically. It's the most versatile of the group.

  • Turn left at the next street
  • Her behavior took a turn for the worse
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.

  • The dancer spun gracefully across the stage
  • The politician tried to put a positive spin on the bad news
rotate

Use 'rotate' when describing something that turns around its own axis or when referring to people or tasks taking turns in a sequence.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours
  • We rotate the team leaders every month to ensure everyone gets leadership experience

Examples of usage

  • The player executed a perfect pivot to avoid the defender.
  • He used a pivot to create space for a shot.
Context #3 | Verb

business

To change direction or course quickly.

Synonyms

adjust, reposition, shift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • After realizing the initial plan was not working, the company decided to pivot to a new market strategy.
  • The ability to pivot quickly is crucial in a rapidly changing industry.
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.

  • There has been a shift in public opinion on climate change.
  • The workers shift the boxes to the left side of the warehouse.
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.

  • The company decided to reposition its brand to appeal to a younger demographic.
  • She repositioned the vase to catch more sunlight.
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.

  • You may need to adjust your seat for a more comfortable ride.
  • The teacher adjusted the lesson plan to better fit the students' needs.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pivot" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pivรด

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‡เค‚เคฆเฅเคฐ เคฌเคฟเค‚เคฆเฅ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dreh- und Angelpunkt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ poros

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ััŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ oล›

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ”ใƒœใƒƒใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pivot

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pivote

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”ผ๋ด‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุญูˆุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ฤep

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ฤap

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆžข่ฝด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ os

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snรบpunktur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพััŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฆแƒ”แƒ แƒซแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ox

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pivote

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,204, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.