orbit
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the curved path that a planet, moon, or satellite follows as it travels around another body in space.
n.the gravitationally curved trajectory of an object, such as a planet or satellite, around a point or another celestial body.
Simple“The satellite was launched into a stable orbit around the Earth.”
In context“Calculations for the probe's elliptical orbit had to account for the gravitational pull of both the planet and its largest moon.”
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'in' or 'into'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.the area or group of people that someone or something has power over.
n.a sphere of influence or the range of activity, interest, or control exercised by a person or organisation.
Simple“The small country gradually moved into the trade orbit of its larger neighbour.”
In context“As the CEO's reputation grew, more young entrepreneurs sought to enter her professional orbit to secure funding and mentorship.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.the bony hole in the skull that holds the eye.
n.the bony cavity in the skull of a vertebrate that contains the eyeball and its associated muscles and nerves.
Simple“The doctor checked for any fractures in the patient's left orbit after the accident.”
In context“The surgical team performed a delicate procedure to remove a benign growth from the posterior of the orbital cavity.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to move in a curved path around a planet, star, or other object.
v.to move in an orbit around a celestial body or a central point of attraction.
Simple“The Moon orbits the Earth once every twenty-seven days.”
In context“The space station orbits the planet at an altitude of approximately four hundred kilometres, completing several revolutions each day.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to keep watching an ex-partner's social media posts without talking to them.
v.to continue to follow or engage with a former romantic partner's social media content after a breakup, typically without direct communication.
Simple“Even though they broke up months ago, he still orbits her Instagram stories.”
In context“She found it unsettling that her ex-boyfriend continued to orbit her digital life, liking her posts despite their lack of verbal contact.”
Teacher's tipThis is a modern slang term; it implies a passive but persistent presence that can be seen as creepy or unhealthy.
Inherited from Middle English orbite, orbita, from Latin orbita (“course, track, impression, mark”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.