Turn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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turn
[tɜːn ]
Definitions
change direction
To change direction or orientation by moving around an axis.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| turn |
Commonly used when changing direction or rotating around a point in general situations.
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| rotate |
Typically used in more formal or technical contexts to describe moving in a circular direction around an axis.
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| twist |
Often implies a forceful or quick motion and can sometimes carry a negative connotation, such as causing harm or distortion.
|
| pivot |
Often used in contexts where a central point or axis is important, such as in business strategy or sports.
|
Examples of usage
- He turned the key in the lock.
- She turned the steering wheel to the left.
act of changing direction
The act of changing or shifting direction or orientation.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| turn |
General movement or change of direction, often used in everyday situations.
|
| pivot |
Used to describe a central point on which something balances or rotates, often used in technical, mechanical, or business contexts.
|
| rotation |
Spinning around an axis, commonly used in scientific, mathematical, or educational settings.
|
| twist |
A quick or forceful action that results in something being bent, squished, or tangled, often used to describe physical actions or plot developments.
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Examples of usage
- With a quick turn, he avoided the obstacle in his path.
- The sudden turn of events caught everyone by surprise.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Physics
- Turning involves angular motion, which can change the trajectory of moving objects, like when you steer a bike.
- In physics, the force applied to make something turn is known as torque, fundamental in mechanics.
- Turning can create both centrifugal and centripetal forces, crucial for understanding motion in circular paths.
Cultural Practices
- Many dances, such as ballet, involve a series of turns, showcasing balance and grace.
- In the game of chess, a player must strategically choose when to turn their focus from defense to attack.
- Turning a page in a book represents moving from one idea to another, symbolizing progression in storytelling.
Sports
- In sports like skiing and snowboarding, turning is essential for navigating slopes and controlling speed.
- In gymnastics, athletes perform turns in the air, demonstrating skill and body control.
- The act of turning a ball in soccer or baseball adds spin, altering its movement and making it unpredictable for opponents.
Technology
- Turn-based strategies are popular in video games, where players take turns to make decisions and moves.
- Smartphones often use touch screens that respond to turns and swipes for navigation, enhancing user experience.
- Robotics involves programming machines to turn and navigate their environment when performing tasks.
Origin of 'turn'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'turn' comes from the Old English 'turnian', which means to 'rotate' or 'revolve'.
- In Latin, the root 'torna' also refers to the act of spinning or rotating an object.
- The concept of turning has been part of the English language since at least the 14th century.
The word 'turn' has Old English origins, with roots in Germanic languages. It has been used in English for centuries to refer to the act of changing direction or orientation. Over time, 'turn' has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and uses, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and communication.
See also: downturn, overturn, turnaround, turncoat, turner, turning, turnout, turnover, turnpike, turntable.