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Turning: meaning, definitions and examples

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turning

 

[ˈtəːnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

movement

The action or process of turning or being turned.

Synonyms

rotation, spin, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
turning

Describes the act of changing direction or position. Often used in everyday scenarios such as road directions or physical movements.

  • She made a turning at the corner
  • The car was turning left at the intersection
rotation

Refers specifically to the movement around an axis or center. Commonly used in technical contexts like machinery, science, or astronomy.

  • The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours
  • The rotation of the wheels was smooth and even
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.

  • He gave the cap a quick twist to open the bottle
  • The story had an unexpected twist at the end
spin

Implies a rapid turning or whirling motion. Often used when talking about objects or situations that are moving quickly or uncontrollably.

  • The dancer performed a graceful spin
  • The car went into a spin on the icy road

Examples of usage

  • The turning of the key in the lock
  • The turning of the tide
Context #2 | Verb

direction change

Move in a circular direction wholly or partly around an axis or point.

Synonyms

rotate, spin, twist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
turning

Use when referring to changing direction or the act of making something move in a circular direction.

  • She took the turning to the right at the intersection.
  • The turning of the doorknob was soft but distinct.
rotate

Use in scientific or technical contexts when something turns around a central point or axis.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours.
  • You need to rotate the picture 90 degrees to the right.
spin

Use when referring to something turning quickly around its center, often implying speed and sometimes dizziness or confusion.

  • She spun the wheel to win the prize.
  • The dancer could spin on one foot for minutes.
twist

Use when referring to bending or distorting something out of its original shape, often using force.

  • He twisted the wire into a loop.
  • You need to twist the cap to open the bottle.

Examples of usage

  • He turned to look at her
  • She turned the corner and disappeared from sight

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "turning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 viragem

🇮🇳 मोड़

🇩🇪 Drehung

🇮🇩 berbelok

🇺🇦 поворот

🇵🇱 skręt

🇯🇵 回転 (かいてん)

🇫🇷 virage

🇪🇸 giro

🇹🇷 dönüş

🇰🇷 회전 (회전)

🇸🇦 تحول

🇨🇿 otáčení

🇸🇰 otáčanie

🇨🇳 转动 (zhuǎn dòng)

🇸🇮 obračanje

🇮🇸 snúningur

🇰🇿 бұрылыс

🇬🇪 მობრუნება

🇦🇿 dönmə

🇲🇽 giro

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,157, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.