summersault: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral to informal; more common in spoken English and descriptive writing than formal prose.
Quick answer
What does “summersault” mean?
A complete 360-degree revolution of the body in the air, forward or backward, typically with the feet going over the head.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complete 360-degree revolution of the body in the air, forward or backward, typically with the feet going over the head.
Used metaphorically to describe a sudden, dramatic, and complete reversal in opinion, policy, or position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'somersault' is standard in both, but 'summersault' is a rare, archaic variant. The word 'somersault' is slightly more common in UK English in metaphorical use (e.g., political somersault).
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use often carries a negative connotation of unreliability or capriciousness.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The verb form ('to somersault') is used equally.
Grammar
How to Use “summersault” in a Sentence
[Subject] somersaults[Subject] does/turns/performs a somersault[Subject] somersaults into/out of [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “summersault” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cheerleader somersaulted across the mat.
- His stomach somersaulted with nerves.
American English
- The diver somersaulted off the high board.
- The market somersaulted after the news.
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- Rarely used. 'A somersault maneuver' (compound adjective).
American English
- Rarely used. 'A somersault dive' (compound adjective).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The company's sudden somersault on its pricing strategy confused investors.'
Academic
Very rare in physical sciences; occasional in political science/history for policy reversals.
Everyday
Common for describing acrobatics, children playing, or dramatic changes of mind.
Technical
Used in gymnastics, acrobatics, and diving to describe specific aerial rotations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “summersault”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “summersault”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “summersault”
- Misspelling as 'summersault'.
- Using it to mean a simple roll or stumble.
- Confusing 'somersault' (body rotates) with 'cartwheel' (body moves sideways).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'summersault' is considered an archaic or incorrect variant. The standard modern spelling is 'somersault'.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'She somersaulted through the air').
A somersault is a forward or backward rotation where the feet go over the head. A cartwheel is a sideways rotation where the body moves like a wheel, with hands and feet touching the ground alternately.
It is usually negative or neutral, implying a lack of consistency, often suggesting opportunism or desperation.
A complete 360-degree revolution of the body in the air, forward or backward, typically with the feet going over the head.
Summersault is usually neutral to informal; more common in spoken english and descriptive writing than formal prose. in register.
Summersault: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌməsɔːlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌmɚˌsɔlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “do a complete 180 (related in metaphorical sense)”
- “flip-flop (for metaphorical reversal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SUMMER SAILOR (somer-sault) doing a flip off the boat into the water.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF DIRECTION / OPINION IS A PHYSICAL FLIP.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'somersault' in the sentence: 'The company's somersault on remote work policy caused confusion.'?