rev
4 synonyms for rev, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make an engine run faster, or to increase its speed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
rev up
How to use rev
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rev the engine
rev up
Etymology
Short for "revolutions," as in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Full origin of rev →Frequently asked questions
What does “rev” mean?
The word “rev” means to make an engine run faster, or to increase its speed. In plain terms, to make an engine speed up, often by pressing the accelerator while parked.
How do you pronounce “rev”?
“Rev” is pronounced rehv (/ɹɛv/ in IPA).
How do you use “rev” in a sentence?
Here is “rev” used in a sentence: “He revved the engine before pulling out of the driveway.”
What part of speech is “rev”?
“Rev” is a verb.
Is “rev” a common word?
“Rev” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between rev and accelerate?
'Rev' means to make an engine run faster, often while the vehicle stays still, as in revving in neutral. 'Accelerate' means to increase the actual speed of the moving vehicle. You can rev an engine without going anywhere, but accelerating changes how fast you travel.
How is rev related to 'revs' and revolutions?
The word 'rev' is short for revolution, meaning one full turn of the engine. When an engine runs faster it completes more revolutions per minute, which is why speed is measured in revs, or RPM. Revving raises the number of these revolutions.
