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

Naming the finale “Sacrament” may be the most positively Catholic moment in a show revolving around the most Catholic of families, including a cousin who’s a priest that drinks.

From Salon

Levy will also be forever associated with instability, including a revolving door of 12 sacked managers as Spurs reached 16 semi-finals and seven finals, not including the recent Uefa Super Cup.

From BBC

Scan the digital world since her passing, and much of the outpouring revolves around those catchphrases and how deeply they’ve embedded themselves in home cooking.

From Salon

While QAnon's spurious narratives revolve around US figures, the theory has taken hold in some parts of Canada and the rest of the world.

From BBC

"Our life literally revolved around the toilet for three years."

From BBC

Related Words

• rotate 
• whirl