What does revolution mean?
A revolution is a major, often sudden change that overturns or transforms an established political, social, or economic order. The word is most commonly associated with movements that challenge existing authority and can involve protest, political upheaval, or institutional replacement. It can also describe a broad transformation in a particular field, as in the industrial or technological revolution. In astronomy and physics, revolution has a more technical meaning: one complete orbit or cycle. The word carries strong historical associations, particularly with events such as the French Revolution, while in general usage it emphasizes disruption and profound change rather than ordinary adjustment. Its distinction from “evolution” is often important: a revolution tends to be rapid and decisive, whereas evolution usually suggests gradual development. In scientific writing, “revolution” is precise rather than dramatic and refers specifically to a completed cycle of motion.
A fundamental and often sudden change in a political, social, or economic order, especially one that overturns existing authority or institutions.
"The revolution led to the fall of the old regime."
The term commonly implies rapid, far-reaching transformation and is often associated with political upheaval.
A major transformation in a field or in society, such as an industrial, technological, or scientific revolution.
"Generative artificial intelligence has been described as a revolution in computing."
One complete orbit or cycle of a body around another, especially a celestial body.
"The Moon completes a revolution around Earth in about twenty-seven days."
Use the plural for multiple political or social upheavals, multiple major transformations, or multiple complete orbits.
"The country experienced several revolutions over the course of a decade."
The word “revolution” comes from the idea of turning something over: political revolutions overturn old systems, while a planetary revolution describes a complete turn around the Sun.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revolution come from?
The word entered English through Middle French révolution, which was derived from Latin revolutio, a noun formed from revolvere, “to turn back” or “roll back.” The underlying sense of turning was extended metaphorically to the overturning of political or social authority. Related English words include revolve, revolute, and revolver, all associated with the Latin root for turning.
Related word forms
How revolution is actually used
In political and social contexts, the term usually suggests a rapid and far-reaching change, sometimes involving violence or the collapse of existing institutions. In scientific contexts, it is technical and refers to a complete cycle or orbit.
Easily confused with revolution
A revolution is typically a rapid, decisive break with the existing order, whereas evolution generally describes gradual development over a long period.