Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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spin, spins, spinning, spun

Synonyms: rotate, revolve, twirl, whirl, gyrate

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Antonyms: stop, halt, steady, stabilize, hold still

The Verb Spin – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb spin is an irregular verb meaning to turn or revolve rapidly. Figuratively, it means to present information in a way that creates a biased or favorable impression.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: spin
■ Past Simple: spun (or span - archaic)
■ Past Participle: spun
■ Present Participle/Gerund: spinning


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Spin' is used for literal rotation and for the figurative manipulation of information.


1. Rotating Quickly
This is its core physical meaning.


■ Motion: 'The ice skater began to spin faster and faster.'
■ Machinery: 'The wheels of the car were spinning in the mud.'


2. Presenting Biased Information (Figurative)
This is a very common meaning in media and politics.


■ Public Relations: 'The politician's press secretary tried to spin the scandal as a minor misunderstanding.'


3. Making Thread
This is the original meaning of the word.


■ Textiles: 'Historically, people would spin wool into yarn using a spinning wheel.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: FIGURATIVE MEANING AND PAST TENSE


■ The Noun 'Spin': The noun 'spin' is widely used in media and politics to mean the biased interpretation of an event. Example: 'He put a positive spin on the company's poor sales figures.'


■ Past Tense 'Span': The simple past tense 'span' is now considered archaic or literary. Spun is the standard, modern form for both the simple past and the past participle.