turn round
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle round
Meanings
Move to face a different direction
Common in British English. Turn around is common in both British and American English.
Why “round”? Round can show a curved path, a change of direction, or being at a nearby place.
“She turned round to wave.”
“Omar turned round when he heard his name.”
Don't confuse with
Turn round means move to face a different direction. Turn aside means move to one side.
Test yourself
“She turned round to wave.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
turn aside
A contrast learners often mix up
Move to one side, usually to make space
be round
Same round pattern: circle
Be in the opposite order or direction; Be at someone's home or another nearby place for a short visit
get round
Same round pattern: circle
Travel from one place to another, especially when difficult; Persuade someone to do what you want by gentle means; Find a way to deal with or avoid a problem or rule; Finally find time to do something postponed
go round
Same round pattern: circle
Travel in a circular path or loop; Of news or rumour, spread among a group
look round
Same round pattern: circle
Inspect a place by looking in different directions
show round
Same round pattern: circle
Take someone on a tour of a place
spin round
Same round pattern: circle
Turn quickly to face a different direction
swing round
Same round pattern: circle
Rotate sharply on a pivot to face a new direction
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