Inversely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inversely
[ɪnˈvɜrsli ]
Definitions
mathematics
In an opposite or contrary manner; in an inverted state or order.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inversely |
When describing relationships where one value decreases as the other increases; often used in scientific or mathematical contexts.
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| oppositely |
Employed when describing things that are positioned or behaving in direct opposition to each other; often used in a more physical or spatial sense.
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| contrarily |
Used when expressing an opposition or contrast in opinion, behavior, or outcome; can sometimes carry a negative connotation implying stubbornness.
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Examples of usage
- The relationship between pressure and volume is inversely proportional.
- The speed of the car is inversely related to the time taken to reach the destination.
general
In a way that is the opposite of the usual or expected.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inversely |
Used when describing a relationship between two variables that change in opposite directions, often used in scientific or mathematical contexts.
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| contrarily |
Used to indicate that something is done or occurs in a manner opposite or contrary to what is expected or desired, often has a slightly negative connotation.
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| differently |
Used to indicate that something is done or occurs in a manner that is not the same as something else, often emphasizing a variation in approach or result.
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Examples of usage
- His behavior was inversely to what we had anticipated.
- The results were inversely proportional to the effort put in.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In mathematics, two variables are said to be inversely related when one increases while the other decreases.
- The concept appears in formulas, like when dividing a number shows its inverse relationship with multiplication.
- The inverse square law in physics states that the intensity of an effect decreases as the distance from the source increases.
Economics
- In economics, there's a principle that states that demand and supply are inversely related under certain conditions.
- As the price of a good increases, the quantity demanded typically decreases, demonstrating an inverse relationship.
- Inflation and unemployment rates often have an inverse correlation, acting as a trade-off known as the Phillips Curve.
Psychology
- The concept of inversely related expectations is observed in behavior; sometimes higher expectations can lead to lower satisfaction.
- In social psychology, the more effort someone puts into something, the less satisfaction they may feel when the outcome is poor, showcasing an inverse relationship in effort versus reward.
- The Yerkes-Dodson Law explains that too much anxiety can inversely affect performance.
Science
- In physics, temperature and the volume of gases show an inverse relationship as described by Charles's Law when temperature increases.
- The ozone layer protects us by inversely correlating the amount of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface – more ozone means less UV exposure.
- In biology, the relationship between predator and prey populations can be inversely proportional, where one's increase can lead to another's decrease.
Pop Culture
- In movies, often the villain's power or influence is inversely shown by the hero's growth and capability throughout the film.
- In video games, as a player's health decreases, the difficulty often inversely increases, creating a challenging environment.
- In literature, characters who struggle often experience inversely developing relationships with their peers, highlighting conflict.
Origin of 'inversely'
The word 'inversely' originates from the Latin word 'inversus', which means 'turned upside down'. The concept of inversely proportional relationships has been used in mathematics and science for centuries to describe a situation where one variable increases as the other decreases, and vice versa.