Revolve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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revolve

[rɪˈvɒlv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

astronomy

Move in a circular orbit around another object.

Synonyms

circle, orbit, rotate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
revolve

Use when something moves in a circular path around another object or point. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The Earth revolves around the Sun.
rotate

Describing an object spinning around its own center or axis. Often used in mechanical and scientific contexts.

  • The wheels rotate smoothly.
  • The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours.
circle

Often used to describe motion in a circular path, can also be used metaphorically to describe surrounding or enclosing something.

  • The hawk circled the prey before diving down.
  • The debate circled around the same points without reaching a conclusion.
orbit

Primarily used in an astronomical or technical context to describe the path one object takes around another due to gravitational forces.

  • The satellite orbits the Earth every 90 minutes.
  • Pluto has a highly elliptical orbit around the Sun.

Examples of usage

  • The Earth revolves around the Sun.
  • The moon revolves around the Earth.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To move in a circular path around a central point.

Synonyms

rotate, spin, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
revolve

Use in scientific or formal contexts when describing an object that moves around another object.

  • The Earth revolves around the Sun.
  • The seasons change as the planet revolves in its orbit.
rotate

Use when describing an object spinning on its axis, often in mechanical or scientific contexts.

  • The tires need to be rotated every few months.
  • The Earth rotates once every 24 hours.
spin

Use in informal or casual contexts to describe rapid circular movement, often for smaller objects.

  • The toy top spins really fast.
  • He can spin a basketball on his finger.
turn

Use in everyday language to describe changing direction or orientation, not necessarily in a full circle.

  • Turn left at the next intersection.
  • Can you turn the knob to the right?

Examples of usage

  • The Ferris wheel revolves slowly.
  • The dancers revolved around the stage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, when objects revolve, they are affected by gravity, like moons orbiting planets.
  • The concept of revolution is crucial to understanding many natural laws, such as the rotation of Earth, which causes day and night.
  • Revolutionary movements are fundamental in astronomy, where celestial bodies orbit in predictable paths.

Culture

  • In the arts, dance often incorporates movements that revolve as a way to express flow and rhythm.
  • In storytelling, characters can revolve around a central theme or idea, driving the plot forward.
  • Cultural festivals sometimes involve circular dances or parades that symbolize communal unity.

Technology

  • Revolution also describes a significant change, such as the Industrial Revolution, which transformed society.
  • In technology, revolution can refer to how a device or software radically changes how we perform tasks.
  • The concept of revolutions is important in engineering, particularly in designing rotating machinery.

Psychology

  • In psychology, thoughts or ideas can 'revolve' in a person's mind, often leading to insights or breakthroughs.
  • The process of rumination describes how some thoughts revolve repetitively, which can impact mental well-being.
  • Mindfulness practices often encourage us to notice when thoughts revolve without judgment, allowing for calmness.

Origin of 'revolve'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'revolvere', which means 'to roll back'.
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, originally referring to a return or a cyclic motion.
  • Over time, its meaning extended to include circular movement in various contexts.

The word 'revolve' originated from the Latin word 'revolvere', which means 'to roll back'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. The term has been commonly used in astronomy and physics to describe the movement of objects around a central point.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,295, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.