Orbiting
'ɔːbɪtɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo revolve around a celestial body or object in a circular or elliptical path.
'ɔːbɪtɪŋ
Moving in a circular or elliptical path around a celestial body.
The spacecraft is orbiting the moon.
💡 Simply: Imagine a merry-go-round. When something is orbiting, it's like the horses going round and round the center. The Earth is orbiting the Sun! The Earth is also orbiting the Sun, just like a merry-go-round moves.
👶 For kids: When something is orbiting, it's like it's going around something else, like the moon goes around the Earth!
More Examples
Satellites are used for communicating because they're orbiting the earth.
The comet is orbiting the sun.
How It's Used
"The Earth is orbiting the sun."
"The satellite is orbiting the planet."
"The rumors were orbiting around her."
To be associated with or surround something, often figuratively.
'ɔːbɪtɪŋ
Figuratively, to be associated with or surround something.
The controversy was orbiting around the politician.
💡 Simply: Imagine everyone's talking about something all the time, like news circling around you. The rumor has been orbiting her for a long time.
👶 For kids: It's like when people are talking about the same thing over and over.
More Examples
The rumors were orbiting around the celebrity's divorce.
All attention was orbiting the new product launch.
How It's Used
"The gossip was orbiting around her."
Synonyms
From the Latin word 'orbita' meaning 'a track or wheel rut'. The verb 'orbit' and its derivatives evolved to describe the path of celestial bodies and then extended to other circular or near-circular movements.
The word 'orbit' and its derivatives have been used for centuries, initially describing the path of celestial bodies. The figurative meaning came later.