Definition

Noun: 1. A single complete turn around a central point or axis; rotation. This meaning describes the circular motion of an object around another object or its own center. 2. The overthrow of an established government or political system by the governed, often through force or radical action. This meaning describes a fundamental and usually violent change in political power and social structure. 3. A drastic, fundamental, and far-reaching change in ways of thinking, working, or organizing society. This meaning describes a transformative shift that affects many aspects of life, not just politics.

Examples

• Meaning 1 (Rotation):
  • The Earth makes one revolution around the Sun in approximately 365 days.
  • The engine's speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
• Meaning 2 (Political Overthrow):
  • The French Revolution of 1789 dramatically changed the country's political landscape.
  • The rebels sought to start a revolution against the dictator.
• Meaning 3 (Fundamental Change):
  • The Digital Revolution has transformed how we communicate and access information.
  • His invention caused a revolution in manufacturing techniques.

Advanced Usage

• "Green Revolution": A term for the major increase in agricultural production in the mid-20th century due to new technologies.
• "Revolution in thought": A phrase describing a complete change in commonly held beliefs or theories within a field (e.g., the Copernican revolution in astronomy).
• "To foment a revolution": To actively stir up or instigate a rebellion.

Variants and Related Words

• Revolve (verb): To move in a circle around a central point. (e.g., The planets revolve around the sun.)
• Revolutionary (adjective/noun):
  • (Adj.) Involving or causing a complete and dramatic change. (e.g., a revolutionary idea).
  • (Noun) A person who works for or engages in political revolution.
• Revolt (noun/verb): An act of violent or open rebellion; to rise in rebellion.
• Rotate (verb): To turn around a central point. (Often used synonymously with 'revolve,' though 'rotate' can imply turning on one's own axis).

Synonyms

• Rotation, orbit, cycle (for meaning 1).
• Rebellion, uprising, insurrection, coup (for meaning 2).
• Transformation, upheaval, sea change, paradigm shift (for meaning 3).

Related Phrases

• "Full circle" / "Come full circle": To complete a cycle and return to the starting point. (Related to meaning 1).
• "Age of revolution": A historical period characterized by numerous political upheavals.

Related Idioms

• "Wheel of revolution": A metaphorical phrase describing the ongoing cycle of political change and upheaval.
• "Revolutions are not made with rose water": An idiom meaning that radical change often requires difficult or violent action, not gentle methods.

Noun

1. a single complete turn (axial or orbital)
   • the plane made three rotations before it crashed
   • the revolution of the earth about the sun takes one year
2. the overthrow of a government by those who are governed
3. a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
   • the industrial revolution was also a cultural revolution