Rev Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
rev
[rษv ]
Definitions
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.
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
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 teamโs enthusiasm for the project.
Translations
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Origin of 'rev'
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.