gyrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gyrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean to dance or move in a circular motion, usually accompanied by rapid changes in posture or direction. For example, "The children gyrated around the bonfire in delight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This week, politicians in the home state of both the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders and the "pom-pom mom" (who was convicted of plotting to kill the mother of her daughter's cheerleading rival), decided a gal could gyrate too far.

The Economist

On stage too he is often little short of a tyrant, aggressively holding women's heads as they gyrate to his rhythm.

The Economist

Although they may gyrate following Portugal's demise, Spain should avoid its neighbour's fate.

The Economist

See articleMarkets continued to gyrate amid fears of a euro-zone meltdown and rumours of a political solution.

The Economist

Stepping on a chair that wobbled under him, he would knot a noose round his scrawny neck, test it, yank it, gyrate his neck like a pigeon and step out into the void.

The Economist

Others charge more for goods placed on "end caps"—displays at the end of the aisles which they reckon to have the greatest visibility (although some experts say it all depends on the direction in which people gyrate around a store and opinion on that is also divided).

The Economist

Or he would cock his head, gyrate it, fidget and twitch, for all the world like the rabbit Thumper as he explains to Bambi why he doesn't like clover greens.

The Economist

Particularly in hip-hop, dancers were hired just to gyrate in bikinis and wash cars.

Independent

But not before a stellar 15-minute medley that saw her gyrate in front of a stain glass window, strut past a giant neon sign reading 'Feminist' and casually perform her entire self-titled album.

Independent

Bill Gates does it with aplomb, but then he doesn't gyrate before the world in flimsy clothes.

Independent

"When Rihanna, Madonna or Beyonce gyrate their booties on stage, it's done in the name of 'art'art

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gyrate" to describe movements that are circular, often rapid, and suggestive of dancing or uncontrolled rotation. For more formal contexts, consider "rotate" or "revolve".

Common error

Avoid using "gyrate" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "rotate" or "revolve" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gyrate" is as an intransitive verb, describing the act of revolving around a central point or axis. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing dance-like or uncontrolled rotational movements. Examples show it used to describe both physical actions and market fluctuations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "gyrate" functions primarily as a verb, describing a revolving or swirling movement. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While "gyrate" is appropriate across a range of contexts, it's particularly frequent in News & Media. In formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "rotate" or "revolve" may be preferable. The word's versatility is evident in its application to both physical actions and metaphorical descriptions of market volatility. The provided examples from authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrate its broad applicability and nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twirl

Suggests a lighter, more playful rotational movement, often associated with dance.

rotate

Focuses on the circular movement around a fixed point, omitting the dance-like connotation.

revolve

Similar to "rotate", emphasizing the circular path around a central point.

spin

Implies a rapid rotation, but might not capture the full complexity of the movement.

whirl

Suggests a rapid and possibly uncontrolled spinning motion.

swivel

Emphasizes rotation around a point, often in a mechanical or controlled manner.

pivot

Focuses on the act of turning or rotating from a fixed point.

pirouette

Specifically refers to a ballet movement involving spinning on one foot.

undulate

Describes a wavelike motion, which can include rotational elements.

oscillate

Describes a back-and-forth movement, rather than a full rotation.

FAQs

How to use "gyrate" in a sentence?

You can use "gyrate" to describe something that revolves around a central point, like "The dancers "gyrate" to the music" or "Electrons "gyrate" in a magnetic field".

What can I say instead of "gyrate"?

You can use alternatives like "rotate", "spin", or "whirl", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gyrate" formal or informal?

"Gyrate" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal term. In scientific or technical contexts, more formal terms like "rotate" or "revolve" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "gyrate" and "rotate"?

"Rotate" implies a circular movement around a fixed axis, while ""gyrate"" often suggests a more complex, dance-like, or uncontrolled circular motion. "Gyrate" also commonly refers to a social event with dancing.