supinate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Medical, Anatomical
Quick answer
What does “supinate” mean?
To rotate (the hand or forearm) so that the palm faces upward or forward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To rotate (the hand or forearm) so that the palm faces upward or forward.
In anatomy and biomechanics, to turn or hold a body part, typically the hand or foot, outward. In some contexts, it can describe the action of lying on the back.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor spelling variations in related terms (e.g., 'supinisation' vs. 'supinization') are rare.
Connotations
Entirely technical; carries no regional cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “supinate” in a Sentence
[transitive] The therapist asked him to supinate his hand.[intransitive] After the injury, his forearm could not supinate fully.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supinate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To check the reflex, the neurologist will ask you to supinate your hands.
- The gymnast must supinate her wrists during the manoeuvre.
American English
- The physical therapist instructed him to supinate his forearm slowly.
- If you supinate your feet excessively while running, you may need different shoes.
adverb
British English
- Not standard. Typically expressed with a phrase like 'in a supinated position'.
American English
- Not standard. Typically expressed with a phrase like 'in a supinated position'.
adjective
British English
- The supinate position is less common in weightlifting.
- A supinate grip is used in the bicep curl exercise.
American English
- The supinate posture of the hand was carefully documented.
- He used a supinate handshake, which felt unusual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, anatomy, and sports science texts. Example: 'The study measured the force required to supinate the wrist.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Primary domain of use. Example in a physiotherapy manual: 'To test the supinator muscle, have the patient supinate against resistance.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supinate”
- Using 'supinate' for any rotation (it is specific to palm-up/forward). Confusing it with 'pronate'. Incorrectly using it as a noun (the noun is 'supination').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a technical term used primarily in medicine, anatomy, and physical therapy.
The opposite action is 'pronate,' which means to rotate the hand so the palm faces downward or backward.
Yes, the term can also apply to the foot, where it means to turn the sole outward.
The noun form is 'supination.'
To rotate (the hand or forearm) so that the palm faces upward or forward.
Supinate is usually technical, medical, anatomical in register.
Supinate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuː.pɪ.neɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuː.pə.neɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUPinate' as in holding a bowl of SOUP in your palm facing UP.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not typically subject to metaphorical extension due to its highly specific meaning.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary action described by 'supinate'?