The phrase "revolves around" is a common idiom used to describe a central or dominant focus of an idea or situation. The spelling of "revolves" is /rɪˈvɒlvz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "-es" ending is added to the verb "revolve," which means to move in a circular path or orbit around a central point. The phrase is often used to describe the way that something or someone is the central focus of a larger concept, idea or narrative.
The phrase "revolves around" is often used figuratively to describe a central theme, concept, or point of focus that dominates or shapes a particular situation, story, or discussion. It implies that the subject revolves or centers around a particular idea, person, or object, highlighting its significance or influence in the overall scheme.
When something "revolves around" a certain element, it means that the element is the crucial factor that everything else is connected to or dependent upon. This can be seen in various contexts, such as literature, movies, societal issues, or personal relationships. For instance, in literature, a story may revolve around a protagonist's quest for self-discovery, with every event and interaction driving the narrative in that direction. Similarly, a social issue such as climate change might be described as an urgent concern that the world revolves around, as it impacts various aspects of life, ranging from policy-making to everyday actions.
Furthermore, in personal relationships, the phrase can denote that someone's life or actions primarily focus on another person. For example, a person could say that their world revolves around their children, indicating that their thoughts, decisions, and actions revolve around their well-being.
In summary, "revolves around" signifies the central point of reference, dictating the course of events, narratives, or discussions, or indicating a significant focus in someone's life or actions.
The etymology of the phrase "revolves around" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components:
1. "Revolve": This word comes from the Latin verb "revolvere", which is a combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the verb "volvere" (meaning "to roll" or "to turn"). In English, "revolve" refers to the action of something moving in a circular or orbital path around a central point.
2. "Around": This word can be traced back to the Old English term "on circling", which evolved from the prefix "on-" (meaning "in", "on", or "at") and the noun "circling" (referring to the act of moving or spinning in a circular manner).