turn
noun (countable)
UK/tɜːn/US/tɜrn/
A chance or opportunity to do something.
Example Sentences
It's your turn to speak during the meeting.
She waited patiently for her turn to present her ideas.
He got a turn on the swings at the playground.
After your turn, I'll take mine in the game.
They rotated turns to lead the project, ensuring everyone had a chance to contribute.
It's my turn to cook dinner tonight.
She gave him his turn in the conversation, allowing him to express his thoughts.
During the talent show, each performer had their turn to showcase their skills.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/tɜːn/US/tɜrn/
To change something into a different form or state.
Example Sentences
She turned the spinach into a delicious smoothie.
They turned the proposal into a comprehensive plan.
He turned his ideas into a successful startup.
The artist turned blank canvases into beautiful paintings.
She turned her savings into investments for the future.
They turned the old bridge into a pedestrian walkway.
He turned his passion for music into a thriving career.
The scientist turned data into actionable insights through analysis.
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Antonyms
How to Use
Rotating, changing direction, or switching position from one condition or state to another.“Turn” can function as both a verb and a noun, making it very versatile in everyday language and formal writing alike. As a verb, it often indicates a motion or shift: for example, “Please turn the doorknob to open the door.” It can also express a change in state or condition: “The leaves will turn yellow in autumn.” In conversation, you might hear phrases like “turn up,” “turn down,” or “turn off,” each indicating a specific action—raising the volume, lowering something, or shutting down an appliance, respectively. In instructions or directions, “turn” appears frequently to guide someone along a path: “Turn right at the second traffic light.” When used as a noun, “turn” can refer to a moment or opportunity for action, such as “It’s your turn to roll the dice.” Furthermore, figurative uses abound: “turn the page” can mean to move on from a situation, and “take a turn for the worse” signals a negative shift in condition. Whether literal or metaphorical, “turn” anchors itself in the idea of a pivot, a transformation, or a directional move. Its flexibility makes it key for clear, effective communication: always consider context so your meaning—be it physical turning, changing states, or indicating a sequence—remains transparent and relevant.
Alternatives
If you need an alternative to “turn,” there are various synonyms and expressions that share nuances with it. For physical shifts in direction, words like “rotate” or “spin” imply movement around a central point, whereas “veer” suggests a sudden or sharp change in course. “Shift,” on the other hand, works well for both physical and abstract changes: you might shift a chair’s position or shift your perspective on an issue. “Switch” also indicates changing from one state or position to another, as in “switch sides” or “switch gears.” When referring to taking turns in a sequence, “alternate” or “go in rotation” can substitute for the noun sense of “turn.” In more metaphorical contexts, phrases such as “change tack,” “modify direction,” or “transform” offer variety and a slightly more formal tone. Using these alternatives alongside “turn” can enliven your vocabulary, helping you communicate with clarity and precision. They allow you to choose the right level of directness or subtlety, whether you’re drafting a formal paper or chatting casually with friends. While “turn” remains a cornerstone for directional and sequential references, these options enrich your expression by adding different shades of meaning. In the end, a thoughtful blend of synonyms not only diversifies your language but also highlights the specific aspect of change or motion you want to convey.
Writing
When incorporating “turn” into your writing, it helps to think about clarity, context, and variety. “Turn” is widely recognized and easy to understand, making it excellent for instructions—“Turn the handle clockwise”—or transitions—“Then turn your attention to the next issue.” However, overuse can lead to repetitive phrasing, especially in detailed descriptions or narratives. To avoid monotony, consider employing synonyms that help illustrate the type of movement or change you intend: “shift,” “pivot,” “veer,” or “swerve,” each with a distinct shade of meaning. Moreover, be attentive to figurative usages; phrases like “turn the tide” or “turn over a new leaf” inject a bit of metaphorical color, but they also risk sounding clichéd if used too often or without purpose. Balance is key—mix direct instructions with more vivid or stylistic choices as needed. Depending on your audience, you can maintain a formal tone by pairing “turn” with precise descriptors—“turn slowly,” “turn sharply”—or adopt a more conversational approach—“turn this way.” As long as you select words that fit the context, your writing will remain engaging and understandable, and “turn” will continue to serve its flexible role as a reliable, action-oriented term.
Casual Conversation
“Turn” is one of those everyday words that slips naturally into casual conversation, covering everything from basic directions to more figurative uses. If you’re telling a friend how to find your place, you’ll say, “Turn left at the coffee shop.” When discussing changes in personal matters, phrases like “Things might turn out better than you expect” can sound encouraging and supportive. You might invite someone to change an activity or mood by saying, “Turn off your phone and relax for a bit” or “Turn up the music—let’s dance!” Even in group settings, “turn” is indispensable for polite coordination, as in “Is it my turn to order?” or “Let’s take turns picking a movie to watch.” Because it’s short, direct, and widely understood, “turn” helps keep conversations flowing smoothly—whether you’re giving advice, offering instructions, or just chatting. It signals movement, change, or a shift without any fuss or complexity, making it an ideal word to use when you want to sound clear and approachable.
Etymology
The word “turn” traces back to Old French “tourner,” meaning “to make round” or “to rotate,” which itself comes from the Vulgar Latin “tornare”—“to turn on a lathe.” Over time, the term spread throughout Middle English, where it acquired numerous senses, including physical rotation, changes in sequence, and abstract transformations. This historical trajectory reflects how concepts of motion, direction, and change transcend boundaries—both geographical and linguistic. In medieval times, “turn” was also associated with metalwork, carpentry, and other crafts that required objects to be rotated or ‘turned’ for shaping. Gradually, the word took on more metaphorical meanings, signifying changes of state or condition, such as “turning fortunes” or “turning points” in one’s life. Today, it remains a cornerstone in English, used in everything from daily instructions and colloquial phrases to sophisticated literary works, all founded on the enduring idea of a pivot or transformation. Its evolution underscores the adaptability of language, showing how a basic concept—spinning or shifting—can expand over centuries to encompass both literal and figurative domains.
