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B2 noun (plural) / verb (3rd person singular) #18 most common 16 min read

orbits

Top 18

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips orbits in 30 Seconds

Explanation orbits in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'orbits' is a bit advanced, but we can understand it simply. Think of it as 'going around' something in a circle. For example, the Moon goes around the Earth. We say 'The Moon orbits the Earth.' It is like a car driving on a round track that never ends. You might see this word in books about the stars or the sun. It is a special word for moving in space. You don't need to use it every day, but it's good to know when you talk about the sky. Just remember: one thing goes around another thing. The Earth orbits the Sun. The Moon orbits the Earth. It's a very long trip that happens over and over again. In A1, we focus on the basic idea of moving in a circle around a center. You can use the word 'circles' if 'orbits' is too hard, but 'orbits' is the special word for space. When you see 'orbits' with an 's', it usually means one thing is doing the action right now, or there are many paths in the sky.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'orbits' to talk about basic science. It means to move in a curved path around a planet or a star. We use 'orbits' as a verb for singular things: 'The satellite orbits the Earth.' We also use it as a plural noun: 'The planets have different orbits.' This means their paths are not the same. Some are close to the Sun, and some are far away. You will hear this word in school or in simple news stories about space. It is more specific than 'goes around.' When you use 'orbits,' people know you are talking about gravity and space. You should practice the 's' at the end. If you talk about one planet, say 'it orbits.' If you talk about many paths, say 'the orbits.' It's a useful word for describing how the solar system works. You might also hear it in movies about astronauts. It helps you describe movement that is steady and repeats over time.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'orbits' in both scientific and slightly more abstract contexts. In science, an orbit is the path followed by an object moving around another due to gravity. You can describe different types of orbits, like 'circular' or 'elliptical.' You should also be able to use the verb form correctly in the present tense: 'The International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes.' This level involves understanding that orbits are not just simple circles but are governed by physical laws. You might also encounter the word in news about technology, such as GPS satellites or weather satellites. Understanding 'orbits' helps you follow discussions about how our modern world stays connected. You can also start to see how it might be used metaphorically, such as someone 'orbiting' a social group, though the literal scientific meaning is still the most common at this level. Practice using it to explain how the solar system is organized and how satellites help us every day.

At the B2 level, 'orbits' is a key term for discussing astronomy, physics, and complex systems. You should understand the mechanics behind orbits, such as the balance between gravity and velocity. You can use the word to discuss 'orbital decay,' 'geostationary orbits,' and 'orbital mechanics.' At this level, you should also be comfortable with the metaphorical use of the word. For example, you might describe a politician's advisors as being in their 'inner orbit.' This implies a relationship of influence and proximity. You should be able to distinguish between 'orbits' and 'rotates' clearly and explain the difference to others. Your writing should use 'orbits' as a transitive verb without needing the preposition 'around' in formal contexts. You can also discuss the history of the word, from the geocentric to the heliocentric models. This level requires a nuanced understanding of how the word functions in professional and academic settings, allowing you to participate in detailed conversations about space exploration and satellite technology.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated command of 'orbits,' using it with precision in a variety of high-level contexts. In scientific discourse, you can discuss the 'perturbation of orbits' caused by the gravitational pull of other bodies or the 'eccentricity' of an orbit. You understand the subtle differences between 'orbits,' 'trajectories,' and 'paths.' Metaphorically, you can use 'orbits' to describe complex social, political, or economic systems. For instance, you might analyze how smaller companies 'orbit' a dominant market leader, or how certain themes 'orbit' a central idea in a piece of literature. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its connotations of power, influence, and inescapable attraction. You are also aware of the word's use in atomic physics (even if technically replaced by 'orbitals') and can use it to draw analogies. At this level, you can use the word to add a layer of technical authority or poetic resonance to your speaking and writing, moving seamlessly between literal and figurative meanings.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'orbits' is complete, allowing you to use it with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You can engage in deep technical discussions about 'Lagrange points,' 'orbital resonance,' and 'transfer orbits' (like the Hohmann transfer). You understand the mathematical beauty and physical necessity that the word implies. In your metaphorical usage, you can craft complex analogies where 'orbits' describes the delicate balance of power in international relations or the recurring patterns in historical cycles. You might use the word to describe the 'orbits of thought' in a philosophical treatise, suggesting ideas that are bound by a central logic but cover vast intellectual territory. Your command of the word includes an awareness of its etymological roots and its evolution through the history of science. You can use 'orbits' to convey a sense of inevitability, order, or even entrapment. Whether you are writing a scientific paper, a political critique, or a work of fiction, you use 'orbits' as a versatile tool to describe any system where movement is defined by a central force.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

orbits in 30 Seconds

Orbits refers to the curved paths of objects in space around a central body, like planets around a star, or the action of moving in such a path.
It is used as a plural noun (many orbits) or a third-person singular verb (the planet orbits), essential for astronomy, physics, and space exploration contexts.
Metaphorically, it describes spheres of influence or social circles where people or ideas revolve around a central figure or a core concept.
Key distinctions include the difference between 'orbit' (moving around something) and 'rotate' (spinning on an axis), and its typically elliptical rather than circular nature.

The word orbits serves as both a plural noun and a third-person singular verb, primarily rooted in the field of astronomy but extending its reach into physics, social dynamics, and technology. At its most fundamental level, an orbit is the gravitationally curved trajectory of an object, such as the path of a planet around a star or a natural satellite around a planet. When we say an object orbits another, we are describing a delicate celestial dance governed by the laws of motion and universal gravitation. This term is not merely about moving in a circle; it describes a continuous fall where the forward momentum of the smaller body perfectly balances the gravitational pull of the larger body, resulting in a stable, repeating path. In modern discourse, you will encounter this word frequently when discussing space exploration, satellite communications, and the fundamental structure of our solar system. Beyond the literal reaches of outer space, orbits is used metaphorically to describe spheres of influence or the regular patterns of human activity. For instance, an individual might move within the 'orbits' of high-level politics or academic circles, suggesting a recurring path of interaction and influence within a specific environment.

Scientific Context: In physics, orbits refer to the mathematically predictable paths defined by Kepler's laws. These paths are typically elliptical rather than perfectly circular, meaning the distance between the two bodies changes throughout the cycle.

The International Space Station orbits the Earth approximately every 90 minutes, allowing the crew to witness sixteen sunrises and sunsets each day.

Historically, the understanding of orbits shifted humanity's perspective of its place in the universe. The transition from a geocentric model (where everything orbits the Earth) to a heliocentric model (where planets orbit the Sun) was a revolutionary moment in the Renaissance. Today, we distinguish between various types of orbits based on their altitude and purpose. Low Earth Orbits (LEO) are used for imaging and some communications, while Geostationary Orbits (GEO) allow satellites to remain fixed over a single point on the equator, which is crucial for television broadcasting and weather monitoring. The plural noun orbits is used when referring to multiple such paths or the collective trajectories of different bodies. For example, one might study the various orbits of the moons of Jupiter to understand the gravitational stresses that lead to volcanic activity on Io.

Metaphorical Usage: When used in social or political contexts, 'orbits' describes the range of influence or the group of people surrounding a powerful figure. A lobbyist might try to enter the 'orbits' of influential senators.

As a rising star in the tech industry, she quickly found herself moving in the inner orbits of Silicon Valley's elite venture capitalists.

The technical precision of the word makes it indispensable in aerospace engineering. Engineers must calculate precise orbits to ensure that satellites do not collide and that they remain functional for their intended lifespan. This involves accounting for atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and the gravitational influence of other celestial bodies. In the verb form, we see it used to describe the action of these bodies: 'The moon orbits the Earth.' This simple sentence encapsulates a complex physical reality involving centripetal force and velocity. The word also appears in atomic physics, though modern quantum mechanics has replaced the idea of literal planetary-style orbits for electrons with 'orbitals,' which represent probability clouds. However, the legacy of the term 'orbits' remains in the Bohr model of the atom, which is still taught as a foundational concept.

Grammatical Note: As a verb, 'orbits' is the third-person singular present tense. As a noun, 'orbits' is the plural form of 'orbit'. Both are pronounced the same way but function differently in a sentence.

Astronomers have mapped the orbits of thousands of near-Earth asteroids to predict potential collision risks.

The spacecraft orbits the comet at a distance of only ten kilometers.

Scientists are fascinated by the highly eccentric orbits of some newly discovered exoplanets.

Using the word orbits correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as a verb and a noun. When functioning as a verb, it typically describes the action of a smaller body moving around a larger one. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. For example, 'The Earth orbits the Sun.' Here, 'the Sun' is the object being orbited. It is important to note that in scientific writing, the preposition 'around' is often omitted, though in general English, 'orbits around' is perfectly acceptable and very common. When used as a noun, orbits refers to the paths themselves. These paths can be described with various adjectives to provide more detail, such as 'stable orbits,' 'decaying orbits,' or 'polar orbits.' The plural form is used when discussing more than one path, whether they belong to different objects or represent different potential paths for a single object.

Verb Usage: Subject-Verb Agreement: Because 'orbits' is the third-person singular form, it must be paired with a singular subject. 'The satellite orbits' (singular) vs. 'The satellites orbit' (plural).

Every planet in our solar system orbits the sun in the same direction.

In more complex sentence structures, orbits can appear in subordinate clauses or as part of a compound predicate. For instance, 'The probe, which orbits Saturn, has sent back incredible images of the rings.' In this case, the word provides essential information about the subject's current state or action. When using the noun form, you might discuss the 'intersection of orbits' or the 'perturbation of orbits.' These phrases are common in technical discussions about orbital mechanics. It is also useful to consider the metaphorical application in sentences. You might say, 'The CEO's decision-making orbits around the company's bottom line,' implying that profit is the central point of all their actions. This figurative use maintains the core meaning of the word—revolving around a central point—but applies it to abstract concepts like ideas, people, or priorities.

Noun Usage: Descriptive Adjectives: Common adjectives used with the noun 'orbits' include: elliptical, circular, geostationary, synchronous, and chaotic.

The telescope was designed to track the changing orbits of distant binary star systems.

Furthermore, orbits can be used in the passive voice, though it is less common. You might hear, 'The planet is orbited by two small moons.' However, the active voice ('Two small moons orbit the planet') is generally preferred for its clarity and directness. In academic writing, precision is key. Instead of saying 'The thing goes around the planet,' using 'orbits' immediately signals a higher level of scientific literacy and specificity. It implies a gravitational relationship rather than just random movement. When writing about history, you might use the word to describe the evolution of thought: 'Galileo's observations of the moons that orbit Jupiter provided evidence for the Copernican system.' Here, the word bridges the gap between observation and theory. Whether you are writing a lab report, a science fiction novel, or a business analysis, orbits provides a powerful way to describe systems where one thing is central and others revolve around it.

Common Phrasal Patterns: 'In orbit,' 'into orbit,' 'orbital period,' 'orbital velocity.' Note that 'orbits' is the plural/verb form of these related terms.

The debris from the old satellite now orbits the planet as a cloud of dangerous space junk.

Because of gravitational pull, the moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical path.

The spacecraft's thrusters were fired to adjust its orbits around the Martian surface.

The word orbits is a staple of scientific communication, but its presence is felt in many other domains of modern life. You will most frequently hear it in news reports concerning space agencies like NASA, SpaceX, or the ESA. Whenever a new satellite is launched, the commentators will discuss the moment it 'reaches orbit' or how it 'orbits' the Earth to provide internet or weather data. In educational settings, from elementary school science fairs to university astrophysics lectures, orbits is used to explain the mechanics of the universe. Teachers use it to describe why the Moon doesn't fly off into space and why the Earth stays at a consistent distance from the Sun. It is a word that carries the weight of physical laws, conveying a sense of order and predictability in the vastness of space.

In the News: 'The new James Webb Space Telescope orbits the sun at the second Lagrange point, 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.'

Breaking news: A small asteroid orbits the Earth temporarily as a 'mini-moon' before continuing its journey.

In the world of technology and business, orbits is often used when discussing the 'Starlink' constellation or other satellite-based services. You might hear engineers talk about 'orbital slots,' which are the specific positions in space where satellites are allowed to reside. This highlights the word's transition from a purely natural phenomenon to a managed, commercial resource. Furthermore, in the realm of science fiction—movies like 'Interstellar,' 'Gravity,' or 'The Martian'—the word is used to create a sense of realism and technical accuracy. When a character says, 'We need to stabilize our orbits,' the audience understands the high stakes involved. The word evokes the tension between the safety of a stable path and the danger of drifting into the unknown or crashing into a planet.

In Popular Culture: Science fiction writers use the word to ground their stories in reality. Even in fantasy, a planet with two suns might have complex 'orbits' that affect the plot.

In the movie, the pilot must calculate the exact moment the moon orbits behind the planet to hide from the enemy.

Metaphorically, you will hear orbits in political commentary or corporate analysis. A journalist might remark that a particular advisor 'orbits' the president, meaning they are constantly present and influential within the president's inner circle. This usage draws on the astronomical concept of a smaller body being held in place by the 'gravity' of a larger, more powerful one. In social psychology, researchers might discuss the 'social orbits' of individuals, referring to the different groups and environments they move through regularly. This shows how a technical term from the stars has been brought down to Earth to describe the complexities of human interaction. Whether it's a podcast about the latest space mission or a discussion about power dynamics in a large corporation, the word orbits provides a useful framework for understanding things that revolve around a center.

In Academic Lectures: Professors use 'orbits' to explain everything from the movement of galaxies to the behavior of particles in a cyclotron.

The professor explained how the planet's orbits are affected by the presence of a massive gas giant nearby.

Jupiter orbits the sun at a much slower pace than the inner rocky planets.

The satellite's orbits were meticulously planned to maximize coverage of the polar regions.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word orbits is confusing it with 'rotates.' While both involve circular or curved motion, they describe fundamentally different actions. To 'rotate' means to spin around an internal axis, like a top or like the Earth spinning to create day and night. To 'orbit' means to move around another object. For example, the Earth rotates once every 24 hours, but it orbits the Sun once every 365 days. Confusing these two can lead to significant misunderstandings in scientific contexts. Another common error involves the misuse of prepositions. While 'orbits around' is common in casual English, in formal or scientific writing, 'orbits' is a transitive verb that should be followed directly by its object: 'The moon orbits the Earth,' not 'The moon orbits around the Earth.'

Orbit vs. Rotate: Rotate: Spinning on an axis (internal). Orbit: Moving around another body (external).

Correct: The Earth orbits the Sun. Incorrect: The Sun orbits the Earth (unless you're living in the 15th century!).

Another mistake is the incorrect application of subject-verb agreement. Since orbits is the third-person singular form, it must be used with a singular subject. Learners often forget the 's' when the subject is singular ('The planet orbit the sun') or add it when the subject is plural ('The planets orbits the sun'). Both are grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, when using orbits as a noun, learners sometimes confuse it with 'circles.' While an orbit can be circular, most orbits in space are elliptical. Using 'circles' as a synonym for 'orbits' in a scientific paper might be seen as imprecise. Additionally, the word 'orbit' is sometimes confused with 'sphere.' While they are related in the sense of 'spheres of influence,' an orbit is a path (a line), whereas a sphere is a three-dimensional shape.

Preposition Pitfall: Avoid 'orbits to' or 'orbits at' when you mean the object being circled. Use 'orbits [object]'.

The satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of 300 miles. (Note: 'at' describes the altitude, not the object).

In metaphorical usage, people sometimes overextend the word. Saying 'My life orbits around coffee' is a fun hyperbole, but in a formal essay, it might be better to say 'My daily routine is centered on...' or 'Coffee is the focal point of my mornings.' Overusing the word in non-scientific contexts can make your writing feel overly technical or repetitive. Finally, there is the confusion between 'orbit' and 'trajectory.' A trajectory is any path an object follows through space, while an orbit is a specific type of trajectory that is closed and repeating. A rocket heading to the moon has a trajectory, but once it starts going around the moon, it is in an orbit. Understanding these nuances will help you use the word with the precision it demands.

Singular vs. Plural Noun: 'The orbit of Mars' (one path) vs. 'The orbits of the planets' (multiple paths).

Many people mistakenly believe that planets follow perfectly circular orbits.

The space station orbits at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour.

The complex orbits of the binary stars make it difficult to predict their future positions.

While orbits is a very specific term, there are several synonyms and related words that can be used depending on the context. In a general sense, 'revolves' is the closest synonym. To revolve means to move in a circular or curving course around a central point. However, 'revolve' is often used more broadly, while 'orbits' specifically implies a gravitational relationship. Another alternative is 'circles.' This is a simpler, more common word that is often used in child-friendly explanations or casual conversation. For example, 'The moon circles the Earth.' While not as scientifically precise as 'orbits,' it conveys the same basic idea of movement. In technical or mathematical contexts, you might use 'circumscribes' or 'traverses a path,' though these are much more formal and less common in everyday speech.

Orbit vs. Revolve: 'Orbit' is the scientific term for celestial bodies. 'Revolve' is more general and can apply to mechanical parts or abstract ideas.

The moon orbits the Earth, while the Earth revolves around the Sun.

When discussing the noun form, alternatives to orbits include 'paths,' 'trajectories,' or 'circuits.' 'Path' is the most general and can be used in almost any context. 'Trajectory' is more technical and often refers to the path of a projectile or a one-way journey. 'Circuit' implies a complete loop and is often used in electrical or racing contexts, but it can occasionally be used for celestial paths. In metaphorical usage, synonyms might include 'spheres,' 'realms,' or 'circles.' If you say someone is in your 'social circle,' it is very similar to saying they are in your 'social orbit.' 'Sphere of influence' is a common phrase that acts as a strong alternative to 'orbit' when discussing power and control. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to sound scientific, casual, or literary.

Comparison: Orbit vs. Path: An orbit is a specific, repeating path. A path can be any line of movement, repeating or not.

The comet's orbits take it far beyond the reaches of the outer planets.

In the realm of physics, 'orbitals' is a related but distinct word used for electrons. While 'orbits' implies a definite path like a planet, 'orbitals' refers to a region of space where an electron is likely to be found. This is a crucial distinction in chemistry and advanced physics. Another related term is 'perigee' and 'apogee,' which describe the closest and farthest points in an orbit. While these aren't synonyms, they are part of the same vocabulary family. When writing, varying your word choice can make your text more engaging. Instead of repeating 'orbits' multiple times, you might switch to 'celestial path' or 'gravitational cycle' to maintain the reader's interest while staying accurate. Ultimately, orbits remains the most powerful and precise word for its specific meaning, and its alternatives should be used carefully to maintain the intended nuance.

Metaphorical Alternatives: Instead of 'in his orbit', you could use 'under his influence', 'within his reach', or 'in his inner circle'.

The satellite orbits the planet, tracing a path that has been stable for millions of years.

The Earth orbits the Sun at an average distance of 93 million miles.

The orbits of the planets were first accurately described by Johannes Kepler.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The original Latin meaning 'wheel track' is a perfect metaphor for an orbit, as it implies a path that is followed over and over again, just like a cart following the same ruts in a road.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɔː.bɪts/

US /ˈɔːr.bɪts/

The stress is on the first syllable: OR-bits.

Rhymes With

bits fits hits its kits pits sits wits

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'obits' (leaving out the 'r').
Adding an extra syllable like 'or-bit-es'.
Confusing the 'i' sound with a long 'e' (or-beets).
Softening the 't' too much in American English (sounding like 'or-bids').
Over-emphasizing the 's' like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in scientific texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct subject-verb agreement (s vs no s).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but 'r' can be tricky for some.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish between noun and verb forms.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Circle Space Planet Sun Moon

Learn Next

Gravity Satellite Elliptical Trajectory Atmosphere

Advanced

Centripetal Perturbation Geostationary Astrophysics Resonance

Grammar to Know

Third-Person Singular 's'

He orbits (correct) vs He orbit (incorrect).

Transitive Verbs

The moon orbits the Earth (no preposition needed).

Plural Nouns

The orbits of the two moons are different.

Present Simple for General Truths

The Earth orbits the Sun (always true).

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Stable orbits (plural adjective doesn't exist, but noun is plural).

Examples by Level

The Moon orbits the Earth.

La Lune tourne autour de la Terre.

Third-person singular verb.

The Earth orbits the Sun.

La Terre tourne autour du Soleil.

Present tense verb.

A satellite orbits our planet.

Un satellite tourne autour de notre planète.

Singular subject with 's' on verb.

Does the Sun orbit the Earth? No.

Est-ce que le Soleil tourne autour de la Terre ? Non.

Question form with 'does'.

The planets have many orbits.

Les planètes ont de nombreuses orbites.

Plural noun.

Look at the orbits in this book.

Regarde les orbites dans ce livre.

Plural noun after 'the'.

Mars orbits the Sun too.

Mars tourne aussi autour du Soleil.

Simple present verb.

The space station orbits very fast.

La station spatiale tourne très vite.

Adverb 'fast' modifying the verb.

The International Space Station orbits the Earth every 90 minutes.

La Station spatiale internationale tourne autour de la Terre toutes les 90 minutes.

Specific time duration used.

Scientists study the orbits of the planets.

Les scientifiques étudient les orbites des planètes.

Plural noun as object of preposition.

Each planet orbits at a different speed.

Chaque planète tourne à une vitesse différente.

'Each' takes a singular verb.

The satellite orbits the Earth to give us GPS.

Le satellite tourne autour de la Terre pour nous donner le GPS.

Infinitive of purpose 'to give'.

The moon's orbits are not perfect circles.

Les orbites de la lune ne sont pas des cercles parfaits.

Plural noun with possessive.

Jupiter orbits the Sun much slower than Earth.

Jupiter tourne autour du Soleil beaucoup plus lentement que la Terre.

Comparative 'slower than'.

How many orbits does the satellite complete in a day?

Combien d'orbites le satellite effectue-t-il en une journée ?

Plural noun in a question.

The telescope orbits far away from the Earth.

Le télescope tourne loin de la Terre.

Prepositional phrase 'far away from'.

The satellite orbits the Earth in a geostationary position.

Le satellite tourne autour de la Terre dans une position géostationnaire.

Technical adjective 'geostationary'.

Gravity is the force that keeps planets in their orbits.

La gravité est la force qui maintient les planètes sur leurs orbites.

Relative clause 'that keeps'.

The spacecraft orbits the moon before landing.

Le vaisseau spatial tourne autour de la lune avant de se poser.

Prepositional phrase 'before landing'.

Astronomers can predict the orbits of comets years in advance.

Les astronomes peuvent prédire les orbites des comètes des années à l'avance.

Modal verb 'can'.

The Earth orbits the sun in an elliptical path, not a circle.

La Terre tourne autour du soleil sur une trajectoire elliptique, pas sur un cercle.

Contrast using 'not'.

Many weather satellites are in polar orbits.

De nombreux satellites météorologiques sont sur des orbites polaires.

Plural noun with adjective.

If a satellite slows down, its orbits will decay.

Si un satellite ralentit, ses orbites vont se dégrader.

First conditional 'if... will'.

The planet orbits a distant star in another galaxy.

La planète tourne autour d'une étoile lointaine dans une autre galaxie.

Adjective 'distant' and 'another'.

The James Webb Space Telescope orbits the sun at the L2 point.

Le télescope spatial James Webb tourne autour du soleil au point L2.

Specific scientific location 'L2 point'.

The moon's gravitational pull slightly perturbs the orbits of satellites.

L'attraction gravitationnelle de la lune perturbe légèrement les orbites des satellites.

Verb 'perturbs' with plural noun object.

He spent his career moving in the high-stakes orbits of international finance.

Il a passé sa carrière à évoluer dans les sphères à enjeux élevés de la finance internationale.

Metaphorical use of 'orbits'.

The spacecraft orbits the asteroid to map its surface in detail.

Le vaisseau spatial tourne autour de l'astéroïde pour cartographier sa surface en détail.

Infinitive of purpose 'to map'.

Kepler's laws describe how planets move in their elliptical orbits.

Les lois de Kepler décrivent comment les planètes se déplacent sur leurs orbites elliptiques.

Noun phrase 'elliptical orbits'.

The debris from the collision now orbits the Earth as space junk.

Les débris de la collision tournent désormais autour de la Terre sous forme de déchets spatiaux.

Present tense verb with 'now'.

Binary star systems consist of two stars that orbit a common center of mass.

Les systèmes d'étoiles binaires sont constitués de deux étoiles qui tournent autour d'un centre de masse commun.

Relative clause with plural verb 'orbit'.

The satellite's orbits are carefully monitored by ground control.

Les orbites du satellite sont soigneusement surveillées par le contrôle au sol.

Passive voice 'are monitored'.

The subtle shifts in the planet's orbits suggested the presence of an unseen neighbor.

Les légers changements dans les orbites de la planète suggéraient la présence d'un voisin invisible.

Plural noun as subject of 'suggested'.

The CEO's inner circle consists of advisors who have long moved in his orbits.

Le cercle restreint du PDG est composé de conseillers qui évoluent depuis longtemps dans ses sphères d'influence.

Metaphorical plural noun.

Low Earth Orbits are becoming increasingly crowded with commercial satellites.

Les orbites terrestres basses sont de plus en plus encombrées de satellites commerciaux.

Proper noun phrase 'Low Earth Orbits'.

The spacecraft orbits the gas giant, enduring intense radiation belts.

Le vaisseau spatial tourne autour de la géante gazeuse, endurant d'intenses ceintures de radiations.

Participle phrase 'enduring...'.

The complexity of the three-body problem makes predicting stable orbits a challenge.

La complexité du problème des trois corps fait de la prédiction d'orbites stables un défi.

Gerund phrase 'predicting stable orbits'.

As the star ages, it expands, potentially engulfing the planets that orbit it.

À mesure que l'étoile vieillit, elle se dilate, engloutissant potentiellement les planètes qui tournent autour d'elle.

Relative clause 'that orbit it'.

The satellite's orbits were adjusted to compensate for atmospheric drag.

Les orbites du satellite ont été ajustées pour compenser la traînée atmosphérique.

Passive voice with 'were adjusted'.

The novel explores the intersecting orbits of three families over a century.

Le roman explore les trajectoires croisées de trois familles sur un siècle.

Literary metaphorical use.

The precision with which the pulsar orbits its companion allows for tests of general relativity.

La précision avec laquelle le pulsar tourne autour de son compagnon permet de tester la relativité générale.

Relative clause 'with which...'.

Secular perturbations can lead to long-term instabilities in the orbits of inner planets.

Les perturbations séculaires peuvent entraîner des instabilités à long terme dans les orbites des planètes intérieures.

Technical term 'secular perturbations'.

The diplomat skillfully navigated the competing orbits of the world's superpowers.

Le diplomate a habilement navigué entre les sphères d'influence concurrentes des superpuissances mondiales.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

The satellite orbits in a highly eccentric trajectory, swinging close to the planet at perigee.

Le satellite tourne sur une trajectoire très excentrique, passant près de la planète au périgée.

Technical term 'perigee'.

Relativistic effects must be considered when calculating the orbits of objects near a black hole.

Les effets relativistes doivent être pris en compte lors du calcul des orbites des objets à proximité d'un trou noir.

Passive modal 'must be considered'.

The resonance between their orbits ensures the long-term stability of the moon system.

La résonance entre leurs orbites assure la stabilité à long terme du système lunaire.

Noun 'resonance' with 'orbits'.

The spacecraft orbits the sun-Earth L1 point to provide constant solar observations.

Le vaisseau spatial tourne autour du point L1 soleil-Terre pour fournir des observations solaires constantes.

Compound noun 'sun-Earth L1 point'.

The intellectual orbits of the two philosophers rarely intersected, despite their shared interests.

Les sphères intellectuelles des deux philosophes se sont rarement croisées, malgré leurs intérêts communs.

Highly abstract metaphorical use.

Common Collocations

elliptical orbits

stable orbits

low Earth orbits

geostationary orbits

planetary orbits

decaying orbits

circular orbits

intersecting orbits

inner orbits

outer orbits

Common Phrases

in orbit

— Currently moving in a path around a celestial body. Often used for satellites or astronauts.

The telescope is now in orbit.

into orbit

— The process of reaching the required speed and altitude to stay in a path around a body.

The rocket successfully launched the satellite into orbit.

orbital period

— The time it takes for an object to complete one full trip around another.

The Earth's orbital period is 365.25 days.

orbital velocity

— The speed needed to maintain a stable path around a body.

Engineers must calculate the correct orbital velocity.

social orbit

— The group of people or environments a person regularly interacts with.

He recently entered the social orbit of the city's elite.

orbital decay

— The gradual reduction in the distance between two orbiting bodies.

Atmospheric drag leads to orbital decay for low satellites.

parking orbit

— A temporary path used by a spacecraft before moving to a final destination.

The Apollo missions used a parking orbit around the Earth.

transfer orbit

— An intermediate path used to move from one orbit to another.

The probe used a Hohmann transfer orbit to reach Mars.

orbital mechanics

— The study of the motions of artificial satellites and celestial bodies.

She is an expert in orbital mechanics.

within the orbit of

— Under the influence or control of a particular person or organization.

The small country fell within the orbit of the neighboring empire.

Often Confused With

orbits vs rotates

Rotate means to spin on an axis; orbit means to go around another object.

orbits vs circles

Circles is more general and less scientific; orbits implies a gravitational path.

orbits vs orbitals

Orbitals refers to electron probability clouds in atoms, not literal paths.

Idioms & Expressions

"in someone's orbit"

— To be under someone's influence or to be part of their regular social circle.

As a young artist, she was thrilled to be in the famous painter's orbit.

Informal/Metaphorical

"out of this orbit"

— Used to describe something extraordinary or beyond normal experience (variation of 'out of this world').

The performance was truly out of this orbit.

Informal

"orbiting the drain"

— A medical or business slang for something that is failing rapidly or near death.

The startup has been orbiting the drain for months.

Slang

"locked in orbit"

— Unable to change a situation or escape a particular pattern of behavior.

The two companies are locked in orbit, constantly reacting to each other.

Metaphorical

"to be in a different orbit"

— To be on a completely different level of skill, wealth, or importance.

When it comes to math, he is in a different orbit than the rest of us.

Informal

"enter the orbit"

— To start being influenced by or interacting with a specific group or person.

New evidence has finally entered the orbit of the investigation.

Neutral

"pull into one's orbit"

— To attract or force someone to become part of one's influence or group.

The charismatic leader pulled many young activists into his orbit.

Metaphorical

"spinning out of orbit"

— Losing control or moving away from a stable situation.

After the scandal, his career began spinning out of orbit.

Informal

"satellite orbit"

— Metaphorically, a secondary or dependent position.

The smaller towns exist in a satellite orbit around the major city.

Metaphorical

"fixed orbit"

— A rigid or unchanging routine.

His life followed a fixed orbit of work, gym, and sleep.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

orbits vs Rotation

Both involve circular motion.

Rotation is spinning (like a top); orbiting is revolving around something else (like a track).

The Earth's rotation takes 24 hours, but its orbit takes a year.

orbits vs Trajectory

Both describe a path through space.

A trajectory can be any path (like a ball thrown); an orbit is a repeating, closed loop.

The rocket's trajectory took it out of the Earth's orbit.

orbits vs Revolution

Synonym for orbit in astronomy.

Revolution is often used for the time taken (one revolution); orbit is used for the path or the action.

The Earth completes one revolution as it orbits the Sun.

orbits vs Sphere

Related to 'sphere of influence'.

A sphere is a 3D shape; an orbit is a 2D or 3D path (a line).

The moon is a sphere that orbits the Earth.

orbits vs Circuit

Both mean a complete loop.

Circuit is usually for electricity or racing; orbit is for space and gravity.

The satellite completed its 500th orbit.

Sentence Patterns

[Planet] orbits [Star].

Mars orbits the Sun.

[Object] orbits [Body] every [Time].

The moon orbits the Earth every 27 days.

[Object] is in [Adjective] orbits.

The satellite is in a stable orbit.

The [Noun]'s orbits are [Adjective].

The planet's orbits are elliptical.

Moving in the [Adjective] orbits of [Group].

Moving in the inner orbits of the government.

The [Technical Term] perturbs the orbits of [Object].

The resonance perturbs the orbits of the asteroids.

Mixed

Whether it orbits [X] or [Y]...

Whether it orbits a star or a black hole, the physics remains the same.

Mixed

Calculating the [Noun] of the orbits.

Calculating the eccentricity of the orbits.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in science, technology, and news; occasional in general conversation.

Common Mistakes

The Earth rotates the Sun. → The Earth orbits the Sun.
Rotation is spinning on an axis; orbiting is moving around another body.
The planets orbits the sun. → The planets orbit the sun.
With a plural subject (planets), the verb should not have an 's'.
The satellite is in a geostationary orbits. → The satellite is in a geostationary orbit.
If there is only one satellite and one path, use the singular noun 'orbit'.
The moon orbits to the earth. → The moon orbits the earth.
'Orbits' is a transitive verb and does not need the preposition 'to'.
The orbits period is 24 hours. → The orbital period is 24 hours.
Use the adjective 'orbital' to modify the noun 'period', not the plural noun 'orbits'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always check if your subject is singular or plural. 'The planet orbits' (singular) but 'The planets orbit' (plural).

Use Specific Adjectives

Enhance your writing by using adjectives like 'elliptical', 'stable', or 'decaying' with the noun 'orbits'.

Scientific Precision

In a science essay, prefer 'orbits' over 'goes around' to show you understand gravitational mechanics.

Social Influence

Use 'orbits' metaphorically to describe power dynamics in politics or business.

Don't Forget the 'R'

Many learners accidentally write 'obits' (which means death notices!). Make sure to include the 'r'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'orbits' followed by a time (e.g., 'every 90 minutes'), it's usually the verb form.

Stress the First Syllable

Pronounce it as OR-bits, not or-BITS.

Avoid Redundancy

Instead of 'circular orbits that go in a circle', just say 'circular orbits'.

Transitive Verb

Remember that in formal contexts, 'orbits' doesn't need 'around'. 'The moon orbits Earth' is perfectly formal.

Think of Cycles

Whenever you see a repeating path, the word 'orbits' might be appropriate.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'ORB' (a ball) that 'ITS' (sits) in a path. Orbits are the paths where celestial orbs sit and move.

Visual Association

Imagine a hula-hoop around a person. The hoop is the orbit, and the person is the planet. The hoop always stays around the center.

Word Web

Gravity Planet Satellite Ellipse Space Kepler Path Cycle

Challenge

Try to explain the difference between 'orbits' and 'rotates' to a friend using only one sentence for each.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Latin 'orbita', which means 'track' or 'rut made by a wheel'. It is derived from 'orbis', meaning 'circle' or 'disk'. In the 16th century, it began to be used in astronomy to describe the paths of heavenly bodies.

Original meaning: A wheel track or a path left by a cart.

Indo-European (Latin)

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but be careful when using 'orbiting the drain' as it can be insensitive in medical contexts.

Commonly used in educational TV shows like 'The Magic School Bus' or 'Cosmos' to inspire interest in science.

The movie 'Gravity' (2013) focuses on the dangers of debris in Earth's orbits. NASA's 'Orbiting Carbon Observatory' is a famous satellite mission. The song 'No Surprises' by Radiohead mentions 'a heart that's full up like a landfill, a job that slowly kills you, bruises that won't heal... you look so tired, unhappy... bring down the government, they don't, they don't speak for us... I'll take a quiet life, a handshake of carbon monoxide... with no alarms and no surprises... silent, silent...' Wait, a better reference is the 'Starlink' satellite constellation by SpaceX.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Astronomy Class

Planetary orbits
Kepler's laws
The sun's gravity
Elliptical paths

News about Space

Launched into orbit
Satellite communications
Space debris
Orbital mission

Physics Lab

Calculate the orbit
Gravitational pull
Velocity and mass
Stable trajectory

Social/Business Analysis

In the CEO's orbit
Sphere of influence
Central figure
Peripheral players

Science Fiction

Maintain orbit
Orbital strike
Locked in orbit
Leave the orbit

Conversation Starters

"Did you know that the International Space Station orbits the Earth 16 times a day?"

"How do you think the discovery that the Earth orbits the Sun changed history?"

"If you could put a satellite into orbit, what would you want it to do?"

"Do you think there are many planets with stable orbits around distant stars?"

"In your social life, who would you say orbits around whom?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you felt like you were 'orbiting' a certain group or person. What was that experience like?

If you were an astronaut in orbit, what would be the first thing you would look for on Earth?

Write a short story about a planet that suddenly changes its orbits. What happens to the people living there?

How does the concept of 'orbits' help us understand the order of the universe?

Think about your daily routine. What are the 'centers' that your life orbits around?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As a noun, it is the plural of 'orbit' (e.g., 'The planets have different orbits'). As a verb, it is the third-person singular present tense (e.g., 'The Earth orbits the Sun').

To rotate is to spin around an internal center (like the Earth spinning to make day and night). To orbit is to move around an external object (like the Earth moving around the Sun).

In casual English, 'orbits around' is very common. However, in formal or scientific writing, 'orbits' is a transitive verb and usually takes a direct object without 'around' (e.g., 'The satellite orbits Earth').

No, most orbits are actually ellipses (ovals). Some can be very long and thin, like the orbits of comets.

It is a metaphor meaning you are influenced by that person or are part of their social circle. For example, 'She moved in the professor's orbit' means she was his student or colleague.

The International Space Station orbits the Earth about 15.5 to 16 times every 24 hours.

In older science models (the Bohr model), we say electrons move in orbits. In modern chemistry, we use the word 'orbitals' to describe where electrons are likely to be.

It is a specific orbit where a satellite moves at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, so it stays over the same spot on the ground all the time.

A balance between the object's forward speed (velocity) and the pull of gravity from the larger body.

Yes, especially when talking about multiple planets, multiple satellites, or different types of paths (e.g., 'The orbits of the moons are complex').