pivot

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To turn or spin on a fixed point.

   Grammar: No object: he pivoted on his heel.

   Patterns

   • pivot on something
   • pivot around something

   She pivoted on her heel and walked away.

   The door pivots on a single hinge.

   The dancer pivoted gracefully across the stage.

2. 2verbintransitivebusiness

   To change your approach, plan or direction in a major way.

   Grammar: Often followed by to or away from: pivot to online sales.

   Patterns

   • pivot to something
   • pivot away from something

   The bakery pivoted to online orders during the lockdown.

   The startup pivoted after its first product failed.

   The candidate pivoted away from her earlier position.

3. 3nouncountable

   The central point on which something turns or depends.

   Grammar: A countable noun: the pivot of the plan.

   Patterns

   • the pivot of something

   The pin acts as a pivot for the arm.

   Her speech was the pivot of the whole campaign.

   He stood on the pivot foot and passed the ball.

4. 4nouncountablebusiness

   A sharp change of strategy or direction, especially in business.

   Grammar: A countable noun: a strategic pivot.

   Patterns

   • a pivot to something

   The company's pivot to subscriptions paid off.

   Investors questioned the sudden pivot.

   The firm announced a major strategic pivot.

Word forms

Common combinations

pivot to

The firm pivoted to renewable energy.

pivot on

The gate pivots on a steel pin.

strategic pivot

The strategic pivot saved the business.

pivot point

The lever rests on a pivot point.

pivot away from

The party pivoted away from its old message.

Synonyms and how they differ

swivel

Means to turn on a fixed point, and not used for changing plans.

shift

A broader, less dramatic word for a change in direction.

revolve

Means moving in a circle around a center, often continuously.

change course

Plain wording for any new direction, with no turning image.

Word family

pivotal adjective

extremely important to the success of something

pivotally adverb

in a way that is very important

Commonly confused: pivot or pivotal?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “pivot”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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