The spelling of the word "turning away" is quite straightforward. The first syllable, "turning," is pronounced /ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/ with a long "u" sound followed by the standard "r" and "n" consonants. The second syllable, "away," is pronounced /əˈweɪ/ with the standard "a" sound followed by the "w" consonant and the schwa sound. Together, the word is pronounced /ˈtɜːrnɪŋ əˈweɪ/ with a stress on the first syllable. "Turning away" can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical movement of turning oneself in a different direction.
Turning away refers to the act of averting, diverting, or redirecting something or someone in a different direction or away from a particular path or course. It can be both a physical action or a metaphorical expression, depending on the context in which it is used.
In a physical sense, turning away can be described as physically altering the orientation or positioning of an object or oneself. For example, if a person is walking towards a certain destination and suddenly decides to change their direction by pivoting their body and moving away from their original path, this action can be considered as turning away.
Metaphorically, turning away can portray the act of refusing, rejecting, or dismissing someone or something. It reflects an intentional decision to dissociate, ignore, or distance oneself from a person, idea, or situation. This act can manifest in various ways, such as emotionally disengaging from a discussion, rejecting an offer or proposal, or disregarding someone's presence.
Turning away can also represent a turning point or shift in circumstances or events. It can signify a change in perspective, values, or actions that lead to a different outcome or result. It may involve deciding against a previous choice or abandoning a particular path in favor of an alternative direction.
Overall, turning away involves redirecting or diverting either physically or metaphorically, embodying the act of shifting focus, direction, or attention away from a particular object, person, idea, or course of action.
The word "turning" derives from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to rotate, revolve, or change direction". It is related to the Old High German word "durnen" and the Middle Dutch word "dornen". The word "away" comes from the Old English word "aweg", which means "from this place" or "at a distance". The combination of these words, "turning away", suggests the action of rotating or changing direction and moving far or at a distance from something or someone.