Upturning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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upturning

[ʌpˈtɜrnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

Upturning refers to the action of turning something over or upside down. It can involve the literal movement of objects, often resulting in a change in their position or orientation. In a broader sense, upturning may refer to a change in the status quo or an improvement in circumstances. This term is commonly used in discussions related to physical manipulation, economics, or social changes.

Synonyms

inverting, overturning, reversing.

Examples of usage

  • She was upturning the soil in her garden.
  • The strong winds were upturning the outdoor furniture.
  • We hope the new policy will lead to an upturning of the local economy.
Context #2 | Noun

economic change

As a noun, upturning can denote a situation where there is an improvement or increase in economic conditions. It often signals a recovery phase after a downturn or recession. Economic upturning is characterized by rising employment rates, increased consumer spending, and higher production levels. It is a positive signal for businesses and investors, indicating stronger market performance.

Synonyms

improvement, recovery, rise.

Examples of usage

  • The country is experiencing an economic upturning post-recession.
  • Experts forecast a significant upturning in the housing market this year.
  • There was an upturning in industrial production last quarter.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Economics

  • An upturn in the economy typically refers to a recovery phase where economic indicators like employment and production improve.
  • Times of upturn often follow a recession, indicating a return to growth in markets and consumer confidence.
  • Economic policy decisions, such as lowering interest rates, can catalyze an upturn by encouraging borrowing and spending.

Psychology

  • In psychology, an upturn can refer to a change in attitude or mood, often linked to positive events or therapy.
  • Studies show that individuals who practice gratitude often experience personal upturns in happiness and well-being.
  • Social support systems are crucial during difficult times, helping people navigate towards emotional upturns.

Environmental Science

  • An upturn in environmental health can be seen when communities adopt sustainable practices, leading to cleaner ecosystems.
  • Reforestation efforts represent an upturn for biodiversity, reversing negative impacts of deforestation.
  • The term is used in discussions about climate change, where positive changes can lead to an upturn in planetary health.

Literature

  • Upturning narratives often feature character transformations, where protagonists overcome challenges for positive outcomes.
  • In poetry, the theme of upturning may symbolize hope, renewal, and the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Many novels explore the idea of upturning societal norms, reflecting on changes in cultural values and beliefs.

Origin of 'upturning'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'upturn' comes from the words 'up' meaning higher and 'turn' meaning to change direction.
  • Historically, the use of 'upturn' began in the 19th century, often in economic contexts to discuss improvements.
  • Adding '-ing' to a verb shows an ongoing action, so 'upturning' suggests a continuous process of improvement.

The word 'upturning' derives from the prefix 'up-', which generally indicates 'higher' or 'above,' combined with 'turn,' originally from Old English 'turnian' meaning to turn about, change, or bend. The suffix '-ing' is used to form a present participle or gerund, indicating ongoing action. The term has evolved in usage, gaining prominence in various fields such as economics, where it captures both literal and metaphorical meanings of turning something upwards or improving conditions. Historically, turning something over has also symbolized transformation, which is reflected in how the word has been employed in contexts discussing change and recovery. Over time, upturning has come to convey both physical actions of rotating objects and conceptual shifts within economy and society.