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

The claims of links between talcum powder and cancer revolve around asbestos - a known carcinogen.

From BBC

A slow start from the Slovakian, whose game revolves around power from the baseline, allowed Raducanu to move 5-1 ahead in the first set before becoming slightly passive as her opponent improved.

From BBC

It will be a land of hard lines and harsh realities where loyalties and allegiances revolve around one man Donald Trump.

From Salon

One of the barristers representing sub-postmasters pointed to the problems caused by this “revolving door of ministers”, as he listed the eight business secretaries in the last five years alone.

From BBC

Another session revolved around a documentary video, “Ark of Bones,” by the poet Harmony Holiday, that looks at the way Black culture is being co-opted by pop culture, business and government.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl