revolution

Revolution is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˌɹɛvəˈl(j)uːʃən/

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• Hyphenation: re‧vo‧lu‧tion

Noun

Singular revolution

Plural revolutions

1. (countable) A revolution is a sudden significant change.

   The Industrial Revolution began when machines were able to make things quicker and cheaper than people.

   In the 1960s, you had the women's revolution, the sexual revolution, and all sorts of change.

2. (countable) A revolution is a war against the government by the country's own people.

   There was a revolution in France in 1789.

3. (countable & uncountable) When a wheel turns around once it has made a revolution; going in a circle; turning; revolving.

   The hour hand on the clock makes one revolution in twelve hours.

Synonyms

• revolt
• rebellion

Related words

• revolve