How to pronounce revolve
Say it like ree-VOLV. Revolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOLV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce revolve. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ree
- VOLV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Revolve pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- VOLVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of revolve
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: rih-VOLV.
What does revolve mean?
- To cause (something) to turn around a central point.
- To orbit a central point (especially of a celestial body).“The Earth revolves around the sun.”
- To rotate around an axis.“The Earth revolves once every twenty-four hours.”
- The rotation of part of the scenery within a theatrical production.
- The rotating section itself.
Where does revolve come from?
From Middle English revolven (“to change direction”), borrowed from Old French revolver (“to reflect upon”), from Latin revolvere (“turn over, roll back, reflect upon”), from re- (“back”) + volvō (“roll”); see voluble, volve.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with revolve
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of revolve.
Questions about saying revolve
How do you pronounce revolve?
Say ree-VOLV. The American pronunciation is /riˈvɑlv/. In British English it is /rɪˈvɒlv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in revolve?
Revolve has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VOLV). Broken into parts: ree · VOLV.
Is revolve pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /rɪˈvɒlv/ (rih-VOLV).