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

When Lincoln Riley first landed in Los Angeles, his audacious plan to remake a lacking USC roster on the fly revolved almost entirely around the transfer portal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Souda wrote that Abbott sells diagnostic instruments, while Exact Sciences’ business revolves around a central lab that processes samples sent by patients.

Read more on Barron's

Everything revolved around alcohol, he says; he wanted a place where he could meet new people and improve his overall well-being.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His dreams primarily revolved around the trial — arguments between Alex and his legal team, evidence that was contested and Alex’s fixation on justification for his actions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since then, vital sections of the Monitor, most notably its revolving turret, have been brought to the surface.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• rotate 
• whirl