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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Swivel: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：rotate on a point (swivel)

swivel 🔊

/ˈswɪv.əl/

To turn something smoothly around a fixed central point.

Swivel meaning illustrated by an office chair rotating smoothly on its base.

rotate on a point 🔊

➕

/rəʊˈteɪt ɒn ə pɔɪnt/

This verb describes the action of causing an object to turn smoothly around a fixed axis or central point.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'swīfan' (to revolve) + frequentative suffix '-el', related to 'swing'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a SWIft turn on a leVEL surface – SWIVEL. It's a smooth, quick rotation around one spot.

📖 Example

My new office chair can swivel 360 degrees, so I can easily talk to my colleagues without getting up. 🔊 My new office chair can rotate fully on its base, allowing me to face my colleagues effortlessly.

🔗 Collocations

swivel chair – A chair whose seat rotates around a central column.

swivel head – A part of a device (like a lamp or camera) that can turn horizontally.

swivel mount – A bracket that allows an object to be turned in different directions.

🔄 Synonyms

pivot (v.) – To turn on or as if on a central point.

rotate (v.) – To move or cause to move in a circle around an axis.

revolve (v.) – To move in a circular orbit around a central point.

🚫 Antonyms

fix in place (phrase) – To make something stationary and unable to move.

immobilize (v.) – To prevent something from moving or operating normally.

🌱 Derivatives

swivel-eyed (adj.) – Having eyes that seem to move quickly from side to side, often suggesting nervousness or shiftiness.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'swivel' originates from the Old English verb 'swīfan,' meaning to revolve or sweep. It evolved through Middle English, solidifying its core meaning of turning smoothly on a central point. This precise action is now fundamental in mechanics and ergonomics, essential for tools, cameras, and furniture designed for fluid movement and adaptability.

Meaning 2：turn quickly (swivel)

swivel 🔊

/ˈswɪv.əl/

To turn your body or head quickly to face a different direction.

Swivel definition shown by a person turning their head and body quickly.

turn quickly 🔊

➕

/tɜːn ˈkwɪkli/

This verb describes the action of a person turning their body, head, or eyes rapidly to face a new direction.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Hearing a strange noise behind her, she swiveled around to see what it was. 🔊 Upon hearing an odd sound from behind, she spun around quickly to investigate.

🔗 Collocations

swivel around – To turn one's whole body quickly to face the opposite direction.

swivel one's head – To turn one's head sharply to look elsewhere.

swivel in place – To turn one's body while remaining in the same spot.

🔄 Synonyms

spin (v.) – To turn or cause to turn around quickly.

whirl (v.) – To move or cause to move rapidly around and around.

twirl (v.) – To spin quickly and lightly around, especially on the spot.

🚫 Antonyms

remain still (phrase) – To stay motionless without turning.

stay fixed (phrase) – To continue facing the same direction without movement.