Upturn Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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upturn

[ˈʌpˌtɜrn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

economic improvement

An upturn refers to a period of improvement or increase, particularly in an economic context. It indicates a recovery from a downturn, marked by rising indices, production levels, and employment rates. An upturn can be characterized by heightened consumer confidence and increased spending. It is often associated with broader trends in economic cycles, where recovery leads to growth in various sectors of the economy.

Synonyms

improvement, increase, recovery, upswing.

Examples of usage

  • The economy experienced a significant upturn last quarter.
  • Many businesses reported an upturn in sales following the holiday season.
  • Analysts predict an upturn in the job market in the coming months.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Economics

  • An upturn in the economy often leads to increased employment opportunities and consumer spending.
  • During periods of economic upturn, stock prices usually rise as businesses perform better.
  • Governments may implement policies to encourage growth during downturns, hoping for an upturn.

Literature

  • In storytelling, an upturn often occurs at a critical moment when characters' fortunes begin to improve.
  • Classic literature frequently uses the concept of an upturn to symbolize hope and redemption.
  • Authors may highlight upturns in character arcs to signify personal growth and transformation.

Psychology

  • Experiences of personal growth or recovery from setbacks are often described as an upturn in one's mental health.
  • Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating upturns to foster resilience.
  • People may experience emotional upturns after overcoming challenges, leading to increased happiness.

Pop Culture

  • Many songs and movies portray narratives of upturns, where characters face adversity but ultimately improve their lives.
  • In sports, a team's upturn can change the course of a season, making them contenders for championships.
  • Social media often highlights an individual's upturns in life, celebrating achievements and moments of success.

Origin of 'upturn'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is a combination of 'up', meaning higher, and 'turn', meaning to change direction.
  • It first appeared in English around the 19th century, reflecting economic and social improvements.
  • In modern usage, it is often used in business contexts to describe recovering markets or fortunes.

The term 'upturn' originated from the combination of the prefix 'up' and the word 'turn'. The prefix 'up' has been used in the English language since Old English, signifying directionality or improvement. 'Turn', which comes from the Old English 'turnian', refers to the action of changing direction or position. The specific use of 'upturn' in economic contexts began to appear in the early 20th century, particularly during discussions surrounding market behaviors and economic cycles. It reflects a broader shift in the English language, where compound words gained popularity to succinctly convey complex ideas. Over time, 'upturn' has become a staple in economic jargon, often used by analysts, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss trends and forecasting.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,376, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.