Pivot
/ˈpɪvət/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe central point, shaft, or pin on which something turns or rotates.
/ˈpɪvət/
A central point on which something turns.
The athlete used their pivot foot to change direction.
💡 Simply: Imagine a revolving door – the pole in the middle is the pivot. It’s the point everything spins around. It's the same in business or life: the core idea or plan that everything else revolves around.
👶 For kids: A pivot is like the middle of a see-saw where it goes up and down!
More Examples
The sculptor meticulously crafted the pivot of the statue.
The crisis management plan relied on a strong pivot point.
How It's Used
"The door swung smoothly on its pivot."
"The company's pivot to online sales was crucial for its survival."
To turn on or as if on a pivot; to change direction or focus.
/ˈpɪvət/
To turn on or as if on a pivot.
The dancer pivoted elegantly on the stage.
💡 Simply: Imagine a basketball player turning on one foot – that’s pivoting. It's also what companies do when they change their plans to adjust to something new. If you’re pivoting, you’re changing directions.
👶 For kids: If you turn around in a circle, you are pivoting!
More Examples
The company pivoted from selling software to offering services.
The economy is pivoting towards new forms of energy.
How It's Used
"The player pivoted to create space for a shot."
"Faced with changing market conditions, the company decided to pivot its strategy."
Idioms & expressions
pivot point
The critical point where something turns or changes direction.
"The pivot point for the project was when the funding was secured."
From French *pivot*, meaning 'pin, pivot', likely originating from a diminutive of *pive*, meaning 'point' or 'tip'. This suggests an early focus on a central point around which something turns.
The word has been in use since the late 17th century, initially referring to a literal mechanical device, and gradually taking on figurative meanings of turning and change.
Memory tip
Think of a revolving door; its center point, where it turns, is its pivot.