Turning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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turning
[ˈtəːnɪŋ ]
Definitions
movement
The action or process of turning or being turned.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| turning |
Describes the act of changing direction or position. Often used in everyday scenarios such as road directions or physical movements.
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| rotation |
Refers specifically to the movement around an axis or center. Commonly used in technical contexts like machinery, science, or astronomy.
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| twist |
Suggests a contorting or winding action. Often used in situations where there is a distortion or change in shape, or in describing plot changes in stories.
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| spin |
Implies a rapid turning or whirling motion. Often used when talking about objects or situations that are moving quickly or uncontrollably.
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Examples of usage
- The turning of the key in the lock
- The turning of the tide
direction change
Move in a circular direction wholly or partly around an axis or point.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| turning |
Use when referring to changing direction or the act of making something move in a circular direction.
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| rotate |
Use in scientific or technical contexts when something turns around a central point or axis.
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| spin |
Use when referring to something turning quickly around its center, often implying speed and sometimes dizziness or confusion.
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| twist |
Use when referring to bending or distorting something out of its original shape, often using force.
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Examples of usage
- He turned to look at her
- She turned the corner and disappeared from sight
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, turning refers to rotational motion, which is essential in understanding how objects move in circles.
- When an object turns, it can create different forms of energy, like kinetic energy when swirling around.
- The force that causes an object to turn is known as torque, which relates to how force is applied.
Art
- In visual arts, 'turning' can describe the way a light source changes the angle of shadows, giving depth to a piece.
- In sculpture, artists often turn raw materials on a lathe to create smoother surfaces and shapes.
- The theme of transformation through turning is prominent in many art movements, representing change and fluidity.
Literature
- In stories, turning points are critical moments where the direction of the plot or the central character's journey changes.
- Poets often explore themes of turning in nature, like the changing seasons to symbolize life's cycles.
- Turnings in narratives can lead to resolutions, marking the transition from conflict to conclusion.
Culture
- Various cultures have dances that involve turning movements, reflecting joy, celebration, or rituals.
- In traditional crafts, turning wood is an age-old technique used to create bowls and other artifacts.
- Symbolically, 'turning' can represent a change in beliefs or phases of life, seen in many philosophical teachings.
Origin of 'turning'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'turnian', meaning 'to turn' or 'to revolve'.
- It's related to the Latin word 'tornare', which means 'to rotate' or 'to make round'.
- In Middle English, 'torn' also meant to twist or twist around.
The word 'turning' originated from the Middle English word 'turnen', which itself came from the Old English word 'turnian'. The concept of turning has been essential to human activities since ancient times, from turning the soil for agriculture to turning wheels for transportation. The word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to movement, change in direction, and transformation.
See also: downturn, overturn, turn, turnaround, turncoat, turner, turnout, turnover, turnpike, turntable.