ENGLISH
REFERENCE

revolve

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹiˈvɑɫv// UK //ɹɪvˈɒlv// re·volve Archaic

v. to move in a circle around a central point. You can also use it to say that someone's life or interests are focused on one main thing.

v. to move in a circular or curving path around a central object or point. Often used figuratively to describe a central focus or preoccupation.


SIMPLE

The Earth revolves around the Sun.

CONTEXTUAL

The entire conversation seemed to revolve around their upcoming vacation plans rather than the business at hand.

COMPLEX

In many classical models of the universe, astronomers believed that every celestial body revolved around the Earth in perfect, concentric spheres.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English revolven (“to change direction”), borrowed from Old French revolver (“to reflect upon”), from Latin revolvere (“turn over, roll back, reflect upon”), from re- (“back”) + volvō (“roll”); see voluble, volve.

Usage

Intransitive when describing motion around a point; typically takes the preposition 'around'.

Pitfall

The wheel revolves around itselfThe wheel rotatesUse 'revolve' for motion around an external point and 'rotate' for turning around an internal axis.

Idioms1 entry

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