revolution
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A fundamental, often sudden and complete, change in political power, social structure, or technological paradigm, typically involving the overthrow or radical transformation of an established order.
A profound transformation in any field or system; also, a single, complete turn or cycle around a central point.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word denotes both a one-time event (the French Revolution) and a general process (the digital revolution). The 'cycle' meaning is used in specific contexts (e.g., revolutions per minute). Polysemy exists between the political/technological meaning and the rotational meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The 'cycle' meaning (as in RPM) is equally common in both technical contexts.
Connotations
Primarily associated with radical, often violent, political change. Can carry positive (liberation, progress) or negative (chaos, destruction) connotations depending on context.
Frequency
Equally frequent and used in identical registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
revolution in [field/technology]revolution against [authority/regime]revolution of [year/place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The wheel has come/turned full circle.”
- “A quiet revolution (a major change without upheaval).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to disruptive innovation or paradigm shifts (e.g., 'the e-commerce revolution').
Academic
Used in history, political science, sociology, and technology studies to denote systemic change.
Everyday
Often used hyperbolically for significant changes (e.g., 'a revolution in smartphone design').
Technical
In engineering/physics: a single complete turn (measured in revolutions per minute - RPM).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Earth revolves around the Sun.
- His whole life revolved around his work.
American English
- The discussion revolved around the budget.
- The case revolves around a key piece of evidence.
adverb
British English
- The situation changed revolutionarily overnight. (Rare, formal)
American English
- The industry was revolutionarily transformed. (Rare, formal)
adjective
British English
- His ideas were truly revolutionary.
- We live in revolutionary times.
American English
- It was a revolutionary new design.
- They adopted revolutionary tactics.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The wheel makes one full revolution.
- The Industrial Revolution was a long time ago.
- The internet caused a revolution in communication.
- The country experienced a political revolution last year.
- The revolution was sparked by widespread discontent with the regime.
- We are on the cusp of a green energy revolution.
- The book argues that the so-called digital revolution has exacerbated social inequalities rather than alleviated them.
- The coup d'état failed to evolve into a full-scale revolution due to lack of popular support.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REVOLution' – it involves a REVOLt and an evoLUTION. It's a revolt that causes an evolution.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS MOTION/CIRCULAR MOVEMENT (the wheel of fortune/fate, a turn of events, coming full circle).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'революция' for a mere 'rotation' or 'оборот' (use 'rotation' or 'turn').
- Avoid using for minor reforms or changes; reserve for truly systemic, radical shifts.
- Note that 'революционный' translates to both 'revolutionary' (adj.) and 'revolutionary' (noun).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'revolution' for a simple 'rotation' in non-technical contexts (e.g., 'The Earth's revolution' is correct, but 'I did three revolutions on the spot' is odd).
- Confusing 'revolution' with 'revelation' (a surprising disclosure).
- Incorrect preposition: 'a revolution of technology' should be 'a revolution in technology'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'revolution' is LEAST appropriate in standard English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A rebellion is an act of armed resistance against authority, which may or may not succeed. A revolution implies a successful, fundamental, and systemic change in the political or social order as a result.
Yes, especially in technological or social contexts (e.g., 'the medical revolution saved countless lives'). In political contexts, it is neutral, taking its valence from the speaker's perspective.
It means 'to orbit' or 'to have as a central focus'. Use 'revolve around [something]' (The planets revolve around the sun. The debate revolved around costs). Do not confuse with 'rotate' (which means to spin on its own axis).
It is primarily countable (e.g., 'several revolutions'). The uncountable use is rare and abstract, referring to the concept itself (e.g., 'a time of revolution').