But using the meanings that existed before that change hasn't become extraordinarily rare, nor has the use of those meanings become incorrect. In my last post, i talked of how this scientific language has changed our usage (referring to the newer scientific meanings being taught in science class and how as a result it has become more colloquial). (It is also worth pointing out that while using "rotate" or "revolve" might be uncommon, it doesn't necessarily make it incorrect and that an astronomer might use those terms instead to convey a more specific meaning to a specific audience) I contend that, outside of science, there is a lot more overlap between the two words than you let on.Īs far as I can tell, it is entirely possible and not really uncommon to use the word "revolve" in a way that would ġ) only mean rotate according to astronomersĢ) be used correctly according to academics of the English language (Please provide evidence if I am mistaken here)ģ) convey my intended meaning effectively and efficiently to the majority of English speakers or a specific target audience. Regardless of what scientists might say is correct. In my opinion, in reference to the merry-go-round example, both "rotate" and "revolve" are rarely used here with "spin" or "push" being the common way to convey that meaning. This is because I perscribe to more than just the Astronomy brand of English. If someone asked me to "revolve the merry-go-round" for example, I would understand what they meant and wouldn't think that they want me to run around it (or send it into orbit around the earth.). But following their definition strictly only applies if you only prescribe to their brand of English, which the vast majority of English speakers don't do (Aviation English is a good example of where this occurs). It has also affected how we use English today. This is constructive in many ways and destructive in others. It seems that (unless you can provide evidence to the contrary) Science and Mathematics has added and subtracted to the meaning of the two words over time to create two words which overlap less in order to serve their specific needs. Upon further investigation, and reviewing your message, my opinion really hasn't changed much. They seem to agree with the meanings of the words from which they derive, however. It also gives a few examples where the words are commonly used but don't follow the internal/external axis rule. It touches on the etymology of the words and mentions that science has added the meaning that you referenced. I looked a little deeper and found this interesting piece. would you be able to cite this? Anything outside the context of science/math mentioning the importance of whether the axis is internal or external is what I would be looking for. don't chastise someone for using rotate vs revolve by applying Astronomy's established usage rules outside of astronomy). if writing or performing academically or professionally, be careful not to base your message in meaning that is not technically correct (i.e. In general conversations, keep in mind what the colloquial meaning is.īut. So usage defines meaning to a greater degree. Remember that there is no real governing body in English as exists with French and Spanish. This means that as general usage is concerned, the two terms absorb the meaning from that specific context and that the general public may interpret (or decode) your message using that astronomy based meaning, even if you don't mean to infer that. We are taught the difference between the two terms in astronomy calss and that difference is the one we remember as a society. This leads me to believe that the 2 words are essentially the same but have received specific meanings through context like has happened with astronomy (and physics by extension). To establish this one of the definitions for revolve on websters is "to turn or roll round on an axis," Which is almost verbatim to the definitions given for rotate.
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