Swiveling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔄
Add to dictionary

swiveling

[ˈswɪv.əl.ɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

movement action

Swiveling refers to the action of turning around a fixed point or axis. This movement often allows for a full rotation or circular motion while maintaining the same central pivot. It is commonly used in contexts such as furniture, equipment, or certain bodily movements.

Synonyms

pivoting, revolving, rotating, turning.

Examples of usage

  • The chair has a swiveling base for easy movement.
  • She was swiveling her hips while dancing.
  • The camera is swiveling to capture all angles.
  • He enjoys swiveling the knobs on his favorite gadget.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mechanical Applications

  • Swiveling mechanisms are essential in many everyday items, like cameras that can rotate to capture a wider view.
  • Swivel joints allow for the easy movement of parts in machinery, contributing to efficient operation.
  • In the world of furniture, swivel chairs utilize this feature for comfort and flexibility in workspaces.

Artistic Expression

  • Many modern dance styles incorporate swiveling movements to create dynamic and fluid choreography.
  • Artists may use a swiveling brush technique to achieve various textures in painting, enhancing their creativity.
  • In sculpture, some artists design pieces that involve swiveling parts, allowing viewers to interact with their work from different angles.

Psychology

  • Swiveling can symbolize adaptability in psychology, showcasing how one's perspective can shift in response to new information.
  • In stress management, physically swiveling in a chair can help release tension by promoting movement during mental work.
  • Therapy sessions sometimes include activities that involve movement, such as swiveling, to help clients process emotions more freely.

Technology

  • In robotics, swiveling joints enhance the range of motion of robotic arms, allowing for more complex tasks.
  • Virtual reality environments often use programmatic swiveling to create immersive experiences for users.
  • Gaming controllers may have swiveling parts that provide a more ergonomic design and better control during gameplay.

Origin of 'swiveling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'swiven,' which means to turn or twist.
  • It has roots in Old Norse, where 'svífa' also means to sway or turn.
  • Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a variety of turning actions in both physical and abstract senses.

The word 'swivel' originates from the Middle English term 'swivel', which was a diminutive form of 'swive', meaning to turn or rotate. The root is derived from the Old Norse word 'svífa', which means to move swiftly or glide. The term has evolved over time to describe the specific action of pivoting around a central point. The addition of the '-ing' suffix indicates a continuous action, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the movement. Over the centuries, 'swiveling' has been adopted in various contexts, particularly in relation to furniture design, machinery, and even dance, reflecting its versatility in describing rotational movements.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,205 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.