Word
revolve
Phoneticsre·volve, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈvɑɫv/
UK/ɹɪvˈɒlv/
Definitions
01to orbit
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
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.
“The Earth revolves around the sun once every year.”
“Astronomers observed the distant exoplanet as it revolved around its host star at an incredibly high velocity.”
Usage
Intransitive; usually takes the preposition 'around'.
02to rotate
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to turn around a central point or a fixed line.
v. to turn or spin around a central axis.
Español:rotar
“The wheel began to revolve slowly as the machine started up.”
“The cooling fan is designed to revolve at variable speeds depending on the internal temperature of the processor.”
Usage
Can be used transitively or intransitively.
03to focus on
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.
“Her whole life revolves around her children and their school activities.”
“The entire corporate strategy revolves around the acquisition of smaller tech startups to bolster their patent portfolio.”
Usage
Always used with 'around'.
04to consider
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Archaic
v. to think about something carefully for a long time.
v. to reflect upon or ponder a thought or problem repeatedly.
“He revolved the problem in his mind for days before finding a solution.”
“The philosopher revolved the ethical dilemma in his mind, weighing the consequences of each possible action.”
Usage
Transitive; the object is usually a thought, idea, or problem.
Synonyms
05theatre stage
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Technical
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.
“The set changed instantly as the revolve turned to show the inside of the house.”
“The director made clever use of the revolve to transition seamlessly between the gritty street scene and the opulent ballroom.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/revolve
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0