What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cycle
Example
The water cycle involves the evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of water. [cycle: noun]
Example
The stock market goes through cycles of growth and decline. [cycle: noun]
rotation
Example
The Earth completes one rotation on its axis every 24 hours. [rotation: noun]
Example
The employees take turns working the night shift on a rotation basis. [rotation: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cycle is more commonly used than rotation in everyday language, as it can be applied to a wider range of contexts. However, rotation is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts where precision and accuracy are important.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cycle and rotation?
Rotation is generally more formal than cycle, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.