Rev: meaning, definitions and examples

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rev

 

[ rɛv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

change direction

To rev means to increase the running speed of an engine by depressing the accelerator pedal, usually leading to a higher RPM (revolutions per minute). This term is commonly used in the context of vehicles or machines, where tuning the engine's speed is necessary for optimal performance.

Synonyms

accelerate, increase speed, speed up

Examples of usage

  • She revved the engine before taking off.
  • He revved the motorcycle to show off.
  • The driver revved the car at the stoplight.
  • He revved up the lawnmower engine to start mowing.
Context #2 | Verb

excite enthusiasm

To rev can also mean to energize or excite a group of people, often to boost enthusiasm or intensity in a certain situation, such as at an event or during a performance. This usage reflects the idea of stimulating passion or action.

Synonyms

energize, excite, motivate

Examples of usage

  • The speaker revved up the crowd with his motivational talk.
  • They revved the fans before the concert began.
  • The coach used a rallying cry to rev up the players.
  • We need to rev the team’s enthusiasm for the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "rev" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rev

🇮🇳 पलटना

🇩🇪 rückwärts

🇮🇩 kembali

🇺🇦 повертати

🇵🇱 wrócić

🇯🇵 戻る

🇫🇷 revenir

🇪🇸 volver

🇹🇷 geri dönmek

🇰🇷 되돌리다

🇸🇦 إعادة

🇨🇿 vrátit

🇸🇰 vrátiť

🇨🇳 返回

🇸🇮 vrniti

🇮🇸 snúa aftur

🇰🇿 қайталау

🇬🇪 დააბრუნო

🇦🇿 geri dönmək

🇲🇽 volver

Word origin

The term "rev" originated as a shortening of "revolution," which itself comes from the Latin word "revolutio," meaning 'a turn' or 'a roll.' The connection to mechanical devices stems from the way engines operate; they involve a series of revolutions or turns to create motion. By the 1950s, 'rev' was being used colloquially in automotive contexts to refer to increasing engine speed. Over the decades, the term expanded into popular vernacular, finding a place in both casual and formal discourse as a way to denote excitement and intensity, whether related to engines or to stimulating enthusiasm in group settings.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,541 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.