What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
revolving
Example
The Earth is constantly revolving around the sun. [revolving: present participle]
Example
The carousel ride at the amusement park was revolving slowly. [revolving: verb]
rotating
Example
The fan was rotating slowly, providing a gentle breeze. [rotating: verb]
Example
The tires on the car were rotating quickly as it sped down the highway. [rotating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rotating is more commonly used than revolving in everyday language. Rotating is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, including scientific, technical, and everyday language. Revolving, on the other hand, is less common and is mostly used in technical or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between revolving and rotating?
Revolving is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical or scientific usage. Rotating, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.