Twist

Definition

Twist generally refers to the act of turning or winding something around, or an unexpected development in a story or situation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /twɪst/
• Respelling: TWIST (with "TW" as in "twirl" and "IST" as in "list")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /twɪst/
• Respelling: TWIST (similar to American English, with "TW" as in "twirl" and "IST" like in "list")

In both dialects, "twist" is pronounced similarly. The word begins with a "TW" sound, as found in "twirl," followed by "IST," which rhymes with words like "list" and "mist." The pronunciation of "twist" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The word "twist" originates from the Old English "twist", a term denoting a divided or split object, often referring to a rope. This evolved to signify the action of winding or turning, and further expanded its meanings over time.

Derivatives

• Twisted
• Twister
• Twisty
• Untwist
• Retwist

Synonyms

• Spiral
• Torsion
• Warp

Antonyms

• Straighten
• Unwind
• Flatten

Usage

• "She put a twist in the ribbon to make it curly."
• "The movie had an unexpected twist at the end."

Related Terms

• Turn
• Coil
• Swirl
• Curl
• Bend

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Act of Twisting: An act of turning or winding.
• Example: He gave the bottle cap a twist to open it.

• Unexpected Event: An unforeseen development or turn of events.
• Example: The detective novel had a twist that surprised all its readers.

• Shape: A shape produced by turning or winding.
• Example: She styled her hair with a twist.

• Dance: A dance in which the dancers twist their hips.
• Example: They danced the twist at the retro party.

Verb

• Turn or Wind: To turn or wind something, especially repeatedly.
• Example: She twisted the cloth to wring out the water.

• Distort: To distort or change the true meaning or nature of.
• Example: He twisted my words during the argument.

• Rotate: To turn something, especially repeatedly, in order to move it.
• Example: He twisted the knob to adjust the volume.