revolve
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move in a circle around a central object, like a planet around the sun.
v.to move in a curved path or orbit around a central point or object.
Simple“The Earth revolves around the sun once every year.”
In context“Astronomers observed the distant exoplanet as it revolved around its host star at an incredibly high velocity.”
UsageIntransitive; usually takes the preposition 'around'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to turn around a central point or a fixed line.
v.to turn or spin around a central axis.
Simple“The wheel began to revolve slowly as the machine started up.”
In context“The cooling fan is designed to revolve at variable speeds depending on the internal temperature of the processor.”
UsageCan be used transitively or intransitively.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to have someone or something as the main interest or center of attention.
v.to have a specified person or thing as a central theme or focus.
Simple“Her whole life revolves around her children and their school activities.”
In context“The entire corporate strategy revolves around the acquisition of smaller tech startups to bolster their patent portfolio.”
UsageAlways used with 'around'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to think about something carefully for a long time.
v.to reflect upon or ponder a thought or problem repeatedly.
Simple“He revolved the problem in his mind for days before finding a solution.”
In context“The philosopher revolved the ethical dilemma in his mind, weighing the consequences of each possible action.”
UsageTransitive; the object is usually a thought, idea, or problem.
Synonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
n.a part of a theater stage that can turn in a circle to change the scenery.
n.a revolving circular platform forming part of a stage floor, used to change scenes quickly.
Simple“The set changed instantly as the revolve turned to show the inside of the house.”
In context“The director made clever use of the revolve to transition seamlessly between the gritty street scene and the opulent ballroom.”
Synonyms
“The story revolves around two people who have huge secrets to hide, both involving violent deaths.”
“Exercise doesn't have to revolve around the gym.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.