Revolve

/rɪˈvɒlv/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to move in a circular or curved path around a central point.

The Earth revolves around the Sun once every year.

to turn over in one’s mind; to contemplate or consider thoughtfully.

He continued to revolve the problem in his mind until a solution emerged.

to cause to move in a circular path; to rotate.

The machine's gears revolve at a high speed during operation.

Middle English: from Latin 'revolvere', meaning 'to roll back'.

revolve around

To focus on or center predominantly on something.

revolve in one's mind

To think about something repeatedly or deeply.

the revolving door

Often used to refer metaphorically to a situation where things are changing quickly.

revolution

A fundamental change in power or organizational structures.

revolute

Curved like the edge of a circle or reflecting a circular shape.

To go in circles on an idea or topic.

We've been revolving around that idea for too long without making a decision.

To change one's mood or attitude repeatedly.

He's been revolving through his emotions all day.