Revving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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revving
[ˈrɛvɪŋ ]
Definition
engine sound
Revving refers to increasing the running speed of an engine, especially in a vehicle, by pushing the accelerator pedal without actually moving the vehicle. It creates a loud sound and is often used to indicate power or readiness to race.
Synonyms
accelerating, racing, revitalize.
Examples of usage
- He was revving the engine to show off.
- The car was revving loudly at the starting line.
- She loved the sound of revving motorcycles.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Revving has become iconic in movies, especially in fast-paced or racing films like 'Fast & Furious', symbolizing thrill and speed.
- Video games featuring racing often incorporate revving sounds, enhancing excitement and immersion.
Science
- When an engine revs, it increases the speed of combustion, resulting in more power and noise — a fascinating example of thermodynamics at work.
- The revving sound is created by the exhaust system, which can be tuned to produce different sounds based on the vehicle's design.
Psychology
- Listening to revving sounds can trigger excitement and adrenaline responses, connecting auditory stimulus with thrill-seeking behavior.
- For many, the sound of an engine revving can evoke feelings of nostalgia, often tied to memories of family road trips or racing events.
Technology
- Modern cars use advanced computer systems to optimize revving, improving efficiency and reducing emissions while enhancing performance.
- Electric vehicles are changing the concept of revving, focusing on torque and acceleration without the traditional engine sound.
Origin of 'revving'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'rev' is short for 'revolution', referring to the rotations of the engine's pistons.
- It was popularized in automotive culture during the 20th century as cars became more widespread and racing took off.
The term 'revving' is derived from the word 'revolution', which refers to the number of times an engine's crankshaft makes a complete rotation. The usage of 'rev' as a shorthand for revolution dates back to the early 20th century, correlating with the development of the automotive industry. As cars became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, the need for terminology around engine performance grew, leading to the adoption of 'rev' in everyday vocabulary. By the mid-20th century, 'revving' was commonly used in racing contexts to describe the act of increasing engine speed for performance or theatrical effect. The association between revved engines and excitement or power further established its place in automotive culture.