Volte

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A significant and abrupt shift in viewpoint or tactics occurs when a person or group re-evaluates their position in a discussion or strategy context
2. This term describes an unexpected alteration in direction, often relating to opinions or approaches in conversation
3. An abrupt and complete reversal in attitude or approach often seen in debates or planning

Etymology: The noun "volte" in the sense of a sudden reversal is a variant of "volta", and the story runs through the same Italian word. "Volta" means "turn" or "time", and it comes from the Latin "volvere", "to roll or turn", which also gave English "revolve" and "volume" (originally a rolled scroll). The word reached English from Italian, and it has been used in the sense of a sudden change of direction or stance. "Volte" and "volta" are doublets: two forms of one word that entered English by different routes. "Volte" is the form that came in from French, which had borrowed the same Italian root, while "volta" kept the Italian shape. Both carry the sense of turning, so a sudden reversal is a turn taken on the spot.

Synonyms: turn, change, shift

Antonyms: stability, continuity