revolve
Revolve (verb) means to move in a circular path around a central point. Example: “The Earth revolves around the Sun.”
How to use revolve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go around a central point, or (figuratively) to have something as the main focus.
Orbiting is "revolving around" something else, while spinning in place is "rotating" — the Earth revolves around the Sun but rotates on its own axis.
Word forms
revolved past tense, revolves plural, revolves singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The Earth _____ around the Sun.
Etymology
From Old French revolver, from Latin revolvere, "to roll back" — re- plus volvo, "to roll".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for revolve
See all rhymes for revolve →Frequently asked questions
What does “revolve” mean?
The word “revolve” means to move in a circular path around a central point. In plain terms, to go around a central point, or (figuratively) to have something as the main focus.
How do you pronounce “revolve”?
“Revolve” is pronounced rih-VOLV (/ɹɪˈvɑlv/ in IPA).
How do you use “revolve” in a sentence?
Here is “revolve” used in a sentence: “The Earth revolves around the Sun.”
What part of speech is “revolve”?
“Revolve” is a verb.
Where does the word “revolve” come from?
The word “revolve” comes from Latin. From Old French revolver, from Latin revolvere, "to roll back" — re- plus volvo, "to roll".
Is “revolve” a common word?
“Revolve” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “revolve” have?
“Revolve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move in a circular path around a central point.