Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause something to move in a circular path around a central point or axis.
   • To consider or think about something carefully and repeatedly.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To move in a circular or curving course or orbit around a central point.
   • To rotate or spin around a central axis.

Usage

• As a transitive verb (to cause to move in a circle): The action is done to an object.
• As an intransitive verb (to move in a circle itself): The subject performs the action.
• As a verb meaning "to consider": Typically used with an object like a problem or idea.

Examples

• Transitive verb (causing motion):
  • She revolved the globe slowly with her finger.
  • The mechanic revolved the wheel to check for damage.
• Intransitive verb (moving itself):
  • The Earth revolves around the Sun.
  • The ceiling fan revolved slowly, providing a gentle breeze.
• Verb (meaning to consider):
  • He revolved the complex problem in his mind all night.
  • I keep revolving her words, trying to understand their meaning.

Advanced Usage

• "Revolve around": This is the most common phrasal construction. It means to have something as a central theme, focus, or point of orbit.
  • The discussion revolved around the main ethical issue. (The discussion focused on it.)
  • A satellite revolves around a planet. (The satellite orbits the planet.)
• Used in technical and astronomical contexts to describe orbital motion, distinguishing it from simple rotation (which is often "rotate").

Variants and Related Words

• Revolution (n): A single complete turn or cycle; a fundamental change, often in a political or social system.
  • The revolution of the Earth around the Sun takes one year.
• Revolver (n): A type of pistol with a revolving cylinder holding multiple bullets.
• Revolving (adj): Describing something that turns or operates in a cycle.
  • a revolving door; a revolving credit account.

Synonyms

• Orbit (v): To move in a path around a celestial body. (More specific to astronomy.)
• Rotate (v): To turn or spin around a central point located within the object itself. (Often used interchangeably with "revolve," but in precise terms, an object on its own axis and around another point.)
• Circle (v): To move in a circular path around something.
• Ponder (v): To think about deeply. (Synonym for the "consider" meaning.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Revolve around: As described in Advanced Usage, this is the primary and essential phrasal verb for this word.
  • Her whole world revolves around her new baby.
  • The plot of the movie revolves around a stolen diamond.

Related Idioms

• "To make one's head revolve": An expression meaning to cause confusion or dizziness, similar to "make one's head spin."
  • The complicated instructions made my head revolve.

Verb

1. cause to move by turning over or in a circular manner of as if on an axis
   • She rolled the ball
   • They rolled their eyes at his words
2. move in an orbit
   • The moon orbits around the Earth
   • The planets are orbiting the sun
   • electrons orbit the nucleus
3. turn on or around an axis or a center
   • The Earth revolves around the Sun
   • The lamb roast rotates on a spit over the fire