Twists Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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twists

[twษชsts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in storytelling

A change in the direction or outcome of a story, typically a surprising or unexpected one.

Synonyms

curve, surprise, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twists

Good for describing complex or unexpected developments in stories, plots, or events.

  • The movie had so many twists that I couldn't predict the ending
  • Life is full of unexpected twists
turn

Commonly applied to the act of changing direction, either in movement or metaphorically, such as in life situations.

  • Take the next turn on the right
  • After losing his job, his life took an unexpected turn
curve

Best used for describing a smooth, rounded, and continuous bending line or surface, often in geometry, roads, or physical shapes.

  • The road ahead takes a sharp curve to the left
  • The graph showed a steady upward curve
surprise

Used for talking about an unexpected event or thing, which can be either positive or negative.

  • She planned a surprise party for his birthday
  • It was a surprise to see him at the event

Examples of usage

  • The plot twists in the movie kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
  • The author is known for her clever twists in the detective novels.
Context #2 | Verb

in movement

To turn or rotate something in a spiral shape.

Synonyms

rotate, spin, twirl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twists

Best used when describing something being turned in multiple directions or when describing a plot with multiple unexpected changes.

  • She twists the cap off the bottle.
  • The movie has many twists and turns.
rotate

Used primarily in technical or formal contexts when discussing the movement of objects around an axis.

  • The Earth rotates around its axis.
  • You should rotate the tires every 6,000 miles.
spin

Often used to describe something turning rapidly around a central point, like a dancer or a top.

  • The dancer spins gracefully.
  • The wheel began to spin faster and faster.
twirl

Commonly used to describe smooth, elegant circular movements, often in the context of dance or playful actions.

  • She twirls her hair absentmindedly.
  • The children twirl around in the park.

Examples of usage

  • She twisted the lid off the jar.
  • He twisted the key in the lock to open the door.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In storytelling, a twist often alters the course of the narrative dramatically, challenging readersโ€™ expectations.
  • Famous examples include surprise endings in novels like 'Gone Girl' or movies such as 'The Sixth Sense' that leave audiences reeling.
  • Twists can provoke discussions about themes, character motivations, and the moral implications of the story.

Psychology

  • Cognitive dissonance can occur when a twist contradicts a personโ€™s beliefs, creating surprise and reevaluation of the situation.
  • Twists in stories can enhance emotional engagement by breaking the monotony and shocking the audience.
  • Psychologically, the brain enjoys resolving mysteries, making twists a powerful tool in storytelling to stimulate curiosity.

Pop Culture

  • Plot twists are a popular trope in TV shows, especially in thrillers and dramas like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Breaking Bad.'
  • In the realm of music, unexpected twists in lyrics or melodies can transform a song from ordinary to memorable.
  • Twists are often used in comedy to enhance humor, catching the audience off guard and eliciting surprise laughter.

Science

  • In physics, 'twisted' systems can refer to structures that change shape under stress, like springs or twisted ropes.
  • The concept of 'twists' is also significant in genetics, particularly in how DNA strands coil and store information.
  • In mathematics, twists apply to geometric shapes and can describe how one shape can be rotated into another.

Origin of 'twists'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'twist' comes from the Old English 'twistian,' which means to turn or wind in a spiral.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'twistwaz,' which relates to twisting or turning something.
  • Used in different forms, such as 'twisted,' 'twisting,' and even as a part of compound words like 'twist-off' for caps.

The word 'twists' originates from the Old English word 'twistian' meaning 'to twine, twist, or wind'. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to encompass both literal and metaphorical meanings. The concept of twists has been prevalent in storytelling, adding intrigue and suspense to narratives. In physical movements, twisting has been a fundamental action in tasks like opening jars or turning keys. The versatility of 'twists' as a word reflects its enduring relevance in language and daily life.


See also: intertwist, twist, twisted, twistedly, twister, twisting, twistingly, twisty, untwist.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,601, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.