Revolve Meaning
/ɹɪˈvɒlv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo bring back into a particular place or condition; to restore.
verbTo cause (something) to turn around a central point.
Sentence Examples
The world doesn't revolve around you.
The planets revolve around the sun.
All objects in the Galaxy revolve around the Galaxy's center.
CEFR Practice Quiz
A well-oiled wheel can ____ smoothly on its axle.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The planets ____ around the sun in elliptical orbits that vary in size and duration.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English revolven (“to change direction”), borrowed from Old French revolver (“to reflect upon”), from Latin revolvere (“turn over, roll back, reflect upon”), from re- (“back”) + volvō (“roll”); see voluble, volve.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It is never possible to settle down to the ordinary routine of life at sea until the screw begins to revolve. There is an hour or two, after the passengers have embarked, which is disquieting and fussy."
— 1915, G[eorge] A. Birmingham [pseudonym; James Owen Hannay], chapter I, in Gossamer, New York, N.Y.: George H. Doran Company, →OCLC:
"These are the difficulties which arise to me on revolving this scheme […]."
— 1748, [Samuel Richardson], “Letter LXXXII”, in Clarissa. Or, The History of a Young Lady: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to VII), London: […] S[amuel] Richardson; [a]nd sold by John Osborn, […], →OCLC:
"He sits silent, revolving many thoughts, at the foot of St. Edmund’s Shrine."
— 1843 April, Thomas Carlyle, “chapter 6, Monk Samson”, in Past and Present, American edition, Boston, Mass.: Charles C[offin] Little and James Brown, published 1843, →OCLC, book II (The Ancient Monk):
"This having heard, strait I again revolv’d / The Law and Prophets."
— 1671, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC:
"[…] a revolving stage, two-level platforms stage left and stage right, and a large bridge that connected the platforms midstage, twelve feet up off the revolve."
— 2003, Gary Philip Cohen, The Community Theater Handbook, page 134:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
A well-oiled wheel can ____ smoothly on its axle.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The planets ____ around the sun in elliptical orbits that vary in size and duration.