What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rotate
Example
The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours. [rotate: verb]
Example
We rotate the staff schedule every month to ensure fairness. [rotate: present tense]
spin
Example
The top spun for several minutes before finally slowing down. [spin: verb]
Example
She spun the wheel of fortune and won a prize. [spun: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rotate is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, while spin is more commonly used in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rotate and spin?
Rotate is generally considered more formal than spin, which has a more casual and informal tone.
