Spiralling: meaning, definitions and examples

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spiralling

 

[ หˆspaษชษ™rษ™lษชล‹ ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

motion, descent

To spiral means to move in a circular or helical path, often downward. This word is commonly used to describe the motion of objects that rotate around a point, such as a bird spiraling down to the ground or a roller coaster gaining speed as it descends in a spiral. Spiraling can also metaphorically refer to situations that worsen over time, resembling a downward spiral in relationships or economic conditions.

Synonyms

coiling, corkscrewing, twisting, whirling

Examples of usage

  • The plane was spiraling down after the engine failure.
  • Her thoughts began spiraling out of control during the stressful meeting.
  • The roller coaster spiraled thrillingly towards the ground.
  • As the storm approached, the leaves spiraled down from the trees.
Context #2 | Adjective

figurative, decline

Spiraling can also describe something that is experiencing an uncontrolled or rapid decline. This usage often encompasses various aspects of life, such as mental health or financial stability. When someone talks about spiraling into depression or debt, they mean that the situation is deteriorating quickly and may feel overwhelming or unmanageable.

Synonyms

declining, deteriorating, falling, plummeting

Examples of usage

  • He felt himself spiraling into a deep depression.
  • Their finances are spiraling out of control.
  • The company is spiraling into bankruptcy.
  • She watched her plans spiraling away from her grasp.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiralling" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espiralando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เฅเคฎเคพเคตเคฆเคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช spiralend

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berputar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฟั–ั€ะฐะปะตะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ spiralny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใƒ‘ใ‚คใƒฉใƒซใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท spiralant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ en espiral

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท spiral

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‚˜์„ ํ˜•์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆุงู…ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ spirรกlovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ spirรกlovรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่žบๆ—‹็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spiralen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ snรบningur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฟะธั€ะฐะปัŒะดั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒแƒšแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ spiral

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ en espiral

Word origin

The term 'spiral' originates from the Latin word 'spira', which means coil or twist. The etymology traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root 'spei-', which denotes the concept of twisting or turning. The transition from the Latin 'spira' to the Old French 'spirale' eventually led to the adoption of 'spiral' in Middle English around the 14th century. The usage of 'spiral' as a verb to describe motion became commonplace in the 19th century. Over time, the metaphorical use of spiraling to describe negative trends or experiences emerged, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and how it adapts to contemporary contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,102, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.