C1verb2K

Rotate

UK /["/rəʊˈteɪt/","/rəʊˈteɪts/","/rəʊˈteɪtɪd/","/rəʊˈteɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈrəʊteɪt/","/ˈrəʊteɪts/","/ˈrəʊteɪtɪd/","/ˈrəʊteɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to move or turn around a central fixed point; to make something do this

In simple words: To move around a central point or axis.

Examples

  • Stay well away from the helicopter when its blades start to rotate.
  • winds rotating around the eye of a hurricane
  • Rotate the wheel through 180 degrees.
  • Make sure that the propellor can rotate freely.
  • Once the starter motor is rotating, you should be able to get the car going.
  • The blades of the fan rotated rapidly above her.
  • The earth takes 24 hours to rotate on its axis.
  • The EU presidency rotates among the members.
  • When I joined the company, I rotated around the different sections.
  • We rotate the night shift so no one has to do it all the time.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both physical and figurative contexts, such as rotating a vehicle's tires or rotating responsibilities at work. Less suitable in highly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

rotate + object

Memory hint

Think of a rotating pizza wheel — it spins around and around!

Collocations

  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • gently
  • allow something to
  • around
  • on
  • through

Synonyms

  • turn
  • spin
  • twist
  • whirl
  • pivot

Antonyms

  • stationary
  • stop

Common mistakes

  • Using 'rotate' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will rotate' instead of 'I will rotate the tires').
  • Confusing 'rotate' with 'revolve' or 'turn' in specific contexts.
  • Incorrectly forming the past tense (e.g., saying 'rotated' incorrectly as 'rotates').