turn
Meaning: To rotate or change direction; to become; one's opportunity to act
'Turn' means to rotate, change direction, or become ('turn red'). As a noun, it's an opportunity to act ('whose turn is it?') or a bend in a road. Phrasal verbs include 'turn on/off' (operate), 'turn up/down' (adjust, arrive), and 'turn out' (result). 'In turn' means one after another.
Examples
- Turn left at the traffic lights. 在红绿灯处左转。Gira a la izquierda en el semáforo.信号で左に曲がってください。신호등에서 좌회전하세요.
- The leaves turn golden in autumn. 秋天树叶变成金黄色。Las hojas se vuelven doradas en otoño.秋になると葉が金色に変わります。가을이 되면 나뭇잎이 금빛으로 변합니다.
- It's your turn to wash up. 轮到你洗碗了。Es tu turno de fregar.皿洗いはあなたの番です。설거지는 당신 차례입니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'turnian' and Old French 'torner', both from Latin 'tornare' (to turn on a lathe), from Greek 'tornos' (a lathe, a circular movement). The same root gives us 'tornado' (turning wind), 'tournament' (where knights turn to joust), and 'attorney' (one turned to for help).
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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