revolve

[ ri-volv ]

verb (used without object)

, re·volved, re·volv·ing.

1. to move in a circular or curving course or orbit:

   The earth revolves around the sun.

   Synonyms: circle, orbit

2. to turn around or rotate, as on an axis:

   The wheel revolves slowly.

3. to proceed or occur in a round or cycle; come around again in the process of time; recur.
4. to be revolved in the mind.
5. to focus or center on.

verb (used with object)

, re·volved, re·volv·ing.

1. to cause to turn around, as on an axis.
2. to cause to move in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.
3. to think about; consider.

   Synonyms: study, ponder

revolve

/ rɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to move or cause to move around a centre or axis; rotate
2. intr to occur periodically or in cycles
3. to consider or be considered
4. intr; foll by around or about to be centred or focused (upon)

   Juliet's thoughts revolved around Romeo

noun

1. theatre a circular section of a stage that can be rotated by electric power to provide a scene change

Derived Forms

• reˈvolvable, adjective
• reˈvolvably, adverb

Other Words From

• re·volva·ble adjective
• re·volva·bly adverb
• unre·volved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere “to roll back,” equivalent to re- re- + volvere “to roll, turn round”

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

C14: from Latin revolvere , from re- + volvere to roll, wind

Synonym Study

See turn.

Example Sentences

And so the political argument revolves around what can be done to put people off trying.

From BBC

Each missive includes art, music, poetry, a devotional writing and a piece of scripture that all relate to each other and revolve around themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

From Los Angeles Times

Prime Video’s “Cross” and Peacock’s “The Day of the Jackal,” premiering Thursday, are cat-and-mouse stories, though exactly who is the cat and who the mouse is a revolving situation.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy, by contrast, is a known opponent of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs and has also criticized the “revolving door” between FDA and the industries it regulates.

From Science Magazine

The series, which has nearly three million followers on various platforms, revolves around Paloma Diamond, an actress whose signature look includes big hair, bright eye shadow and bold clothes.

From New York Times

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl