flip
/flɪp/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To turn something over quickly so the other side faces up. It can also mean to move or change something suddenly.
- She flipped the pancake over.
- He flipped the page quickly.
- Please flip the switch off.
adjective
A flip answer or attitude is too casual, rude, or not serious enough.
- Don't give me a flip reply.
- Her flip tone annoyed the manager.
noun
A quick turn or movement over to the other side. It can also mean a sudden change or exchange.
- The coin landed after one flip.
- The gymnast did a perfect flip.
Adinary Nuance
Flip is faster and lighter than turn. Use turn for a normal, careful movement, and flip when the action is quick or sudden. It can also sound more casual than reverse or rotate, which are more formal or technical.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- lật
- Spanish
- voltear
- Chinese
- 翻转
- Japanese
- ひっくり返す
- Korean
- 뒤집다
Etymology
Flip appeared in English in the late 16th century, probably as a sound-based word. It has long carried the idea of quick, light movement.
Common phrases
flip overflip a coinflip the pageflip side
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is flip the same as turn?
- Not exactly. **Flip** usually means a quicker, lighter movement than **turn**.
- Is flip informal?
- The verb is common and natural. The adjective **flip** can sound rude or too casual.
- What does flip a coin mean?
- It means to toss a coin and let chance decide the result.
- Can I use flip in business writing?
- Yes, for simple actions like **flip the chart**. For technical writing, **rotate** or **reverse** may fit better.