revolve

American  

[ri-volv] / rɪˈvɒlv /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

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

Related Words

See turn.

Other Word Forms

• revolvable adjective
• revolvably adverb
• unrevolved adjective

Etymology

Origin of revolve

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

Example Sentences

"Staffordshire needs stability after this revolving door with three leaders in nine months, so we hope Reform can find at least one councillor from their ranks who is up to the job."

From BBC

Rather, Japan has had a revolving door of prime ministers.

From BBC

The revolving sushi bar chain lifted prices after receiving survey feedback from diners on Kura Sushi’s value compared with competitors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wall Street seems to agree: Susquehanna analysts in January made the case for Affirm to take market share from revolving credit over time.

From Barron's

Because his commentary revolved around the subtleties of their texts, the discussion only began to make sense if you had read them with greater attention than seemed necessary in any other course.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl