# revolve around

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/revolve-around
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to have someone or something as the main interest or focus. You use this when one thing is the most important part of a situation.

For teachers: To have a particular person or thing as the primary focus or center of interest. The verb functions intransitively, requiring the preposition 'around' to link to its central subject.

## Examples

- Her whole life seems to revolve around her new job.
- The discussion at the meeting tended to revolve around the budget cuts rather than the new project proposals.
- Copernicus famously proposed a heliocentric model in which the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, challenging centuries of geocentric belief.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The story revolves around of a young boy." but "The story revolves around a young boy." — The preposition 'around' does not require 'of' to connect to the object.

## Usage notes

- The phrase is usually followed by a noun that represents the most important person or thing.
- Teaching tip: Contrast the literal astronomical sense with the figurative social sense to help students visualize the 'center' of importance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.