turnover - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
turnover Word Meanings
- the amount of money taken by a business in a particular period
- the rate at which employees leave and are replaced
- the act of turning something over
turnover Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
turnover Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɜːnˌəʊ.və/
US
/ˈtɜrnˌoʊ.vɚ/
turnover Word Etymology
turn- = to rotate + over = above, across; The term evolved from the idea of flipping something to analyze it thoroughly. Picture a chef flipping a pancake in the air to ensure it's cooked evenly, symbolizing the review of business resources during analysis.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands on the door, I push it open and step into the store. I watch the turnover of customers and goods move past the counter, and I keep adjusting my pace to match the rhythm. I turn a sign to guide a shopper, place a shelf straight, and feel the effort tighten my shoulders as I hold the line between speed and care. The scene makes turnover feel like a living rhythm I can touch.
Real Context
Turnover is a versatile English noun with three common senses. In business, it most often means the total money a company takes in during a period, i. e., its revenue or sales. In human resources, turnover refers to the rate at which employees leave and are replaced, a key metric for staffing costs and organizational health. The third sense is the act of turning something over, such as flipping a page or turning a stock item to inspect it, which is less common in financial discussions but can appear in manufacturing or inventory contexts. Learners should keep straight which meaning is intended from context.
Usage Reminders
- Turnover often means revenue in business contexts, not profit.
- Watch for the difference between turnover (revenue) and profit.
- Use 'employee turnover' when talking about staff departures.
- Be clear whether you mean turning something over physically or turning over accounts.
- Pair turnover with a quantity or rate: turnover rate, turnover of stock.
Common Misconceptions
- Turnover = profit (they are different financial measures).
- Turnover only refers to how many employees leave (ignores revenue sense).
- Turnover is the same as turning something over physically (context matters).
- Turnover is never used to describe sales or revenue.
- All turnover discussions are about HR; ignore the 'business revenue' sense.
Thinking Differences
In English, turnover most often means revenue in business contexts, so learners should not default to thinking of profit or the physical act of turning something over. Clarify which meaning is intended from the surrounding words like 'revenue', 'sales', 'profit', or 'rotate'.
Learning Tips
- Build a clear mental map of the three senses: revenue, staff turnover, and turning over an object.
- Practice with real company figures to distinguish turnover from profit.
- Use collocations like turnover rate and turnover of stock to sound natural.
- Compare turnover with related terms: revenue, sales, and profit.
- Pay attention to context cues: finance vs HR vs physical actions.
- Create flashcards that pair each sense with a sample sentence.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'turnover'?
A.Annual revenue
B.Change direction
C.Rotate quickly
D.Switch positions
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'turnover' used correctly?
A.The bakery has a high turnover of staff.
B.She quickly turnovered the soccer ball.
C.He loves to turnover his pancakes.
D.Let's turnover the page and see what happens.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'turnover'?
A.Income
B.Stay
C.Retention
D.Hold
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context is 'turnover' commonly mentioned?
A.Cooking recipes
B.Travel planning
C.Gardening tips
D.Business reports
Step 5: Mastery
Can you explain the concept of 'turnover' in your own words?
A.Alarm
B.Request
C.Light
D.Explanation
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