Reverse

Definition

Reverse primarily denotes a direction, movement, or action opposite to something else. It's used both as a noun and verb to depict opposite or backward orientation or action.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈvɜrs/
• Respelling: ri-VURS (with "ri" as in "rid," and "VURS" as in "nurse")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈvɜːs/
• Respelling: ri-VURS (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," and "VURS" as in "nurse")

In both dialects, "reverse" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "VURS," following the short "ri" sound. The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, making the word straightforward to recognize and pronounce.

Etymology

The word "reverse" comes from the Old French revers or reverse, from Latin reversus, past participle of revertere which means 'to turn back'. The prefix "re-" means back, again, or against, and "-vertere" means to turn.

Derivatives

• Reversible
• Reversal
• Reversion
• Revert
• Reversibly

Synonyms

• Backward
• Opposite
• Inverse

Antonyms

• Forward
• Straight
• Continue

Usage

The term "reverse" is employed across numerous fields to denote opposing or backward movements or directions, such as in mechanics, linguistics, technology, and law. It's used to refer to actions like reversing a decision or a car, indicating a change to an opposite or former state or direction.

Related Terms

• Reverse Engineering
• Reverse Psychology
• Reverse Charge
• Reverse Osmosis
• Reverse Transcription

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Opposite Direction or Position: A change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.‍
• Example: He shifted the car into reverse and backed out of the driveway.

• Undesirable Situation or Condition: A change to an undesirable situation or condition.‍
• Example: The company suffered a reverse when profits plummeted.

Verb

• Change to Opposite: To change something to its opposite or to a former state or direction.‍
• Example: They are hoping to reverse the decline in the company’s fortunes.

• Move Backward: To move backward or cause something to move backward.‍
• Example: She reversed the car into the garage.

Adjective

• Opposite or Contrary in Position, Direction, Order, or Character: Going, situated, or resulting in a backward direction or contrary order.‍
• Example: The reverse side of the coin shows a figure of an eagle.