turn
turn
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "turn" is /tɜːrn/ (American English) or /tɜːn/ (British English).
For /tɜːrn/:
/tɜːrn/
Word Form Variations
Noun: turn (singular), turns (plural)
Verb: turn (base form), turns (third person singular present), turning (present participle), turned (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: (No direct adjective form; "turning" and "turned" can function adjectivally, e.g., "turning point," "turned page")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A movement or change of direction.
Synonyms: bend, curve, corner, deviation, swerve, pivot
Antonyms: straight, straightaway, direct (path)
Definition 2: An opportunity or obligation to do something that arrives in sequence with others.
Synonyms: opportunity, chance, shot (informal), go (informal), stint, duty, responsibility
Antonyms: no chance, omission, skip (one's turn)
Definition 3: A change in the direction or focus of events, circumstances, or thought.
Synonyms: shift, change, development, twist, reversal, transition
Antonyms: stagnation, continuity, persistence, stasis
Definition 4: A short walk or ride.
Synonyms: stroll, walk, ride, spin (informal), drive, amble
Antonyms: long journey, marathon, commute
Definition 5: An action or deed, especially one that is significant or characteristic.
Synonyms: act, deed, action, feat, gesture, service
Antonyms: inaction, passivity, omission, idleness
Definition 6: (Informal) A brief shock or scare.
Synonyms: start, shock, jolt, fright, scare
Antonyms: calm, relaxation, composure, reassurance
Verb
Definition 1: To move in a circular direction wholly or partly around an axis or point.
Synonyms: rotate, revolve, spin, pivot, swivel, twist
Antonyms: stay, remain, fix, hold (still)
Definition 2: To move so as to face or point in a different direction.
Synonyms: pivot, rotate, swivel, veer, change direction, orient
Antonyms: stay facing, keep straight, maintain course
Definition 3: To change into or become something different.
Synonyms: become, transform, convert, evolve, metamorphose, mutate
Antonyms: remain, stay, stagnate, persist
Definition 4: To cause to move in a circular direction.
Synonyms: rotate, spin, crank, twirl, wind
Antonyms: stop, halt, lock (rotation)
Definition 5: To direct or guide (something or someone) in a particular direction or onto a specific course.
Synonyms: direct, guide, steer, orient, send, divert
Antonyms: misdirect, mislead, disorient, leave (undirected)
Definition 6: To upset or sicken.
Synonyms: upset, sicken, nauseate, revolt, stomach (negative sense)
Antonyms: settle, calm, soothe, comfort
Definition 7: To pass (a certain age or time).
Synonyms: pass, reach, hit, attain
Antonyms: fall short of, remain (below age)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He took a sharp turn down a narrow alley, hoping to evade his pursuers in the bustling market." (Fictional example from a suspense or action novel)
"The narrative took an unexpected turn in the final chapters, shocking many readers." (From a literary analysis or a review of a novel)
"The book describes the Earth's daily turn on its axis, causing day and night." (From a non-fiction book on astronomy or physics)
Newspapers:
"The Central Bank of Kenya announced a surprising turn in its monetary policy, increasing interest rates." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"Motorists are advised to slow down when approaching the sharp turn on the Limuru Road." ("Daily Nation,")
"It is now our turn to address the challenges of climate change with concrete action." ("The Standard,")
Online Publications:
"How to make a perfect U-turn safely: A driving guide for beginners." (An article on a driving safety website, e.g., DriversEd.com)
"The new software update represents a significant turn for the company, focusing on user privacy." (A tech news analysis on "TechCrunch,")
"Our guide to achieving your fitness goals: It's your turn to get healthy!" (A self-improvement blog post, e.g., MyFitnessPal Blog)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'll be back." (Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, 1984) - This implies a commitment to return, or a "turn" back to the origin.
Television Series: "For your next challenge, each team member will take a turn at the climbing wall." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., American Ninja Warrior)
Song Lyrics: "And the seasons they turn, and the lessons they learn, and the sun keeps on burning." (From a folk or reflective song about life's cycles)
Video Games: "It's your turn to move. Choose your action wisely." (In-game instruction in a turn-based strategy game, e.g., Civilization VI)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we discuss the pivotal turning points in the history of the internet." (A podcast on history or technology, e.g., The History of English Podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"It's your turn to do the dishes tonight." (A common household chore assignment)
"Take the next turn at the roundabout." (Giving directions)
"The weather took a nasty turn this afternoon." (A casual observation about a change in conditions)
"He did a good turn for me by helping me move." (Referring to a helpful deed)
"My stomach did a funny turn after eating that old food." (Describing a feeling of nausea)
"Can you turn off the lights when you leave?" (A common request)
"I think it's time to turn over a new leaf." (Common idiom for making a fresh start)
"He just turned 30 last month." (Stating someone's age)
10 Quotes Using Turn
"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." (Seneca, Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium) - This implies a "turn" of events.
"What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals!" (William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2) - This implicitly refers to the dynamic nature of man, capable of many "turns."
"It takes a whole village to raise a child." (African Proverb, widely known) - This implies that a child will "turn" to many for guidance.
"One good turn deserves another." (Proverb, widely known)
"A bend in the road is not the end of the road... Unless you fail to make the turn." (Helen Keller)
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." (Yogi Berra) - This is a humorous take on making a "turn" or decision.
"To err is human, to forgive divine." (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, 1711) - This implies a "turn" from error to grace.
"My old car is still running great, it's just getting a little long in the tooth." (Lesser-known, but common observation) - This relates to a car's "turn" into older age.
"How the tables have turned!" (Common idiom, widely used to express a reversal of fortune)
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." (Isaac Newton, 1675) - This speaks of new perspectives, a different "turn" of mind.
Etymology
The word "turn" has a very old and fundamental origin in the English language, tracing back to Latin.
It comes from the Old English verb turnian (or tyrnan).
This Old English word meant "to rotate," "to revolve," "to pivot," or "to move in a circle."
Turnian was borrowed from the Latin verb tornare.
In Latin, tornare meant "to turn on a lathe," "to round off," or "to revolve." It was related to tornus, meaning "lathe."
So, the first known use of "turn" in English, with its core meaning of "to cause something to move in a circular direction," or "to change direction," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). Its meaning has remained remarkably consistent for over a thousand years, always conveying the idea of rotation, change in direction, or a sequence of events.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Turn
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "turn":
To turn over a new leaf: To make a fresh start and behave in a better way.
To turn a blind eye (to something): To intentionally ignore something undesirable.
To turn the tables: To reverse a situation so that one is now in a position of power or advantage.
To turn up: To appear; to arrive unexpectedly; (of volume) to increase.
To turn down: To refuse an offer; to decrease the volume or intensity.
To take a turn for the better/worse: To change to a better or worse state.
By turns: Alternately; one after another.
To turn a deaf ear (to something): To refuse to listen or respond to a request or plea.
Every turn: At every step; at every point along a path or in a process.
To turn of phrase: A particular way of expressing something.
To turn the page: To move on to a new stage or situation. (Synonymous with starting anew)
To turn the corner: To pass a crisis or difficult period and begin to improve.
To get a fair shake: To have a fair chance or opportunity. (Synonymous with "to get a fair turn")
To turn tail: To run away, especially from a difficult or dangerous situation.
To turn in: To go to bed; to submit work.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of turn from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
