revolved

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   Moved in a circular path or orbit around a central point or axis.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by 'around': The earth revolves around the sun.

   Patterns

   • revolve around something
   • revolve on an axis
   • revolve in a circle

   The earth revolves around the sun once a year.

   The fan blades revolved slowly in the hot room.

   The moon revolves around the earth.

2. 2verbintransitive

   Was centered on or focused mainly around something.

   Grammar: No object; used with 'around': Her life revolved around her children.

   Patterns

   • revolve around something
   • revolve around someone

   His entire career revolved around music.

   The discussion revolved around the budget cuts.

   Her social life revolved around the local tennis club.

Word forms

Common combinations

revolve around the sun

The planets revolve around the sun.

revolve around an axis

The wheel revolves around its axle.

revolve around a theme

The novel revolves around the theme of loss.

life revolves around

For many people, life revolves around their family.

Synonyms and how they differ

rotate

Means to turn around a central point, often on an axis; 'revolve' can also mean to move in an orbit around something else.

spin

Means to turn quickly around a central point; 'revolve' is more neutral and often used for planets or discussions.

circle

Means to move in a circle around something; 'revolve' is more formal and often used in scientific contexts.

Word family

revolve verb

To move in a circle around a central point.

revolver noun

A type of handgun with a revolving cylinder.

revolving adjective

Able to turn around a central point, as a revolving door.

Commonly confused: revolved or revolved?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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