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

These books revolve around small, personal stories about human connection, which I find myself needing more and more of these days.

From Salon

I cheered as Bailey told Potter years later, “You think the whole world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn’t.”

From Los Angeles Times

This year has proven that December in Ghana no longer revolves around non-stop partying.

From BBC

The streaming giant said it entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit agreement that provides up to $5 billion in financing for the Warner Bros. merger deal.

From MarketWatch

The revolving credit facility will mature three years after the Warner Bros. deal closes, three years after the deal is terminated, or by Dec. 19, 2030–whichever occurs earliest, according to the filing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl