revolve

[ri-volv]

verb (used without object)

revolved, revolving 

1. to move in a circular or curving course or orbit.

   The earth revolves around the sun.

   Synonyms: circle, orbit

2. to turn around or rotate, as on an axis.

   The wheel revolves slowly.

3. to proceed or occur in a round or cycle; come around again in the process of time; recur.

4. to be revolved in the mind.

5. to focus or center on.

verb (used with object)

revolved, revolving 

1. to cause to turn around, as on an axis.

2. to cause to move in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.

3. to think about; consider.

   Synonyms: study, ponder

revolve

/ rɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to move or cause to move around a centre or axis; rotate

2. (intr) to occur periodically or in cycles

3. to consider or be considered

4. (intr; foll by around or about) to be centred or focused (upon)

   Juliet's thoughts revolved around Romeo

noun

1. theatre a circular section of a stage that can be rotated by electric power to provide a scene change

Other Word Forms

• revolvable adjective
• revolvably adverb
• unrevolved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere “to roll back,” equivalent to re- re- + volvere “to roll, turn round”

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

C14: from Latin revolvere , from _re- + volvere to roll, wind

Synonym Study

See turn.

Example Sentences

I have a cockapoo, Bobby Rhubarb, she’s 4 1/2, so my life kind of revolves around her.

From Los Angeles Times

The five episodes leading up to the second season’s huge reveal revolve around John Cena’s titular hero, also known as Christopher Smith, stumbling through a world that looks exactly like ours — but better.

From Salon

The biggest uncertainties revolve around the pitching staff, and a bullpen in particular that has been better in recent days, including nine straight strikeouts to end Saturday’s game.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans stick with titles such as Fortnite, Roblox and Call of Duty - so-called "live service" games that offer a revolving, ever-updating selection of content - for months if not years on end.

From BBC

“I guess Walt is kind of revolving in his grave,” Curry jokes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rotate 
• whirl