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Inversion: meaning, definitions and examples

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inversion

 

[ ɪnˈvɜːrʒən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

grammar

The act of inverting or the state of being inverted; a reversal.

Synonyms

flip, reversal, upside-down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inversion

Used in technical or formal settings to describe a situation where something is turned inside out or reversed in position, order, or relationship.

  • The engineer explained the inversion of the signal
  • There was an inversion in the usual order of events
reversal

Commonly used to describe a complete change in direction, position, or course of action. It can carry a negative connotation when referring to a setback or change for the worse.

  • The company experienced a reversal in their growth
  • The policy's reversal shocked everyone
upside-down

Describes a state where the top part of something is at the bottom and vice versa. This term is often used in everyday conversation.

  • The picture was hung upside-down
  • His world seemed upside-down after the news
flip

Casual term often used in everyday language to describe quickly turning something over or around.

  • He flipped the pancake in the pan
  • She flipped the card to see what was on the other side

Examples of usage

  • In English, inversion is often used in questions to create a more formal or dramatic effect.
  • Subject-verb inversion is common in poetic language.
  • Inversion can also be used for emphasis in sentences.
  • The teacher explained the concept of inversion in grammar class.
  • The novel made use of inversion to create a sense of mystery.
Context #2 | Noun

meteorology

A deviation from the normal decrease of air temperature with altitude, or of water temperature with depth.

Synonyms

atmospheric inversion, temperature inversion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inversion

This can generally refer to any instance where the usual order of things is reversed, not just in atmospheric conditions. This term is often used in various fields such as finance, grammar, or science.

  • The company's recent success represents an inversion of its previous failures.
  • In the sentence 'Never have I seen such chaos,' there is an inversion for emphasis.
atmospheric inversion

Use this term when specifically referring to a weather condition where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground, preventing the normal upward movement of air. It's a more technical and precise term used in meteorology.

  • The smog was particularly bad today due to an atmospheric inversion.
  • Atmospheric inversions can lead to serious air quality issues in urban areas.
temperature inversion

This term is also used in meteorology, specifically to describe a situation where the temperature increases with altitude, contrary to the normal decrease of temperature with height. It can be used interchangeably with 'atmospheric inversion' but focuses more on the temperature aspect.

  • Agricultural crops can suffer from frost damage during a temperature inversion.
  • Meteorologists warn of poor air quality during a temperature inversion.

Examples of usage

  • Inversions can lead to the formation of fog and low-level clouds.
  • Temperature inversions can trap pollutants near the surface of the earth.
Context #3 | Noun

music

A chord in which the lower note has the higher pitch.

Synonyms

chord inversion, inverted chord.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inversion

Used in various fields such as mathematics, grammar, and music, the term generally refers to a reversal of order or position. It can refer to reversing the order of words in a sentence or reversing intervals in music.

  • The inversion of subject and verb is common in questions.
  • The geometric inversion transformed the figure.
chord inversion

Specifically used in music theory. It refers to rearranging the notes of a chord so that different notes are in the bass (lowest note).

  • In a first inversion chord, the third of the chord is in the bass.
  • Chord inversion can add variety to harmony.
inverted chord

Also used in music, this term is interchangeable with 'chord inversion.' It refers to a chord where the notes have been rearranged so that a note other than the root is the lowest.

  • An inverted chord can sometimes make the progression smoother.
  • The piece modulates to a new key using several inverted chords.

Examples of usage

  • The inversion of the chord gave the music a unique sound.
  • In music theory, understanding chord inversions is important for composition.

Translations

Translations of the word "inversion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inversão

🇮🇳 इनवर्सन

🇩🇪 Inversion

🇮🇩 inversi

🇺🇦 інверсія

🇵🇱 inwersja

🇯🇵 反転 (はんてん)

🇫🇷 inversion

🇪🇸 inversión

🇹🇷 inversiyon

🇰🇷 역전 (역전)

🇸🇦 عكس (عكس)

🇨🇿 inverze

🇸🇰 inverzia

🇨🇳 反转 (fǎnzhuǎn)

🇸🇮 inverzija

🇮🇸 inversjón

🇰🇿 инверсия

🇬🇪 ინვერსია

🇦🇿 inversiya

🇲🇽 inversión

Etymology

The word 'inversion' comes from the Latin word 'inversio', which means 'a turning upside down'. The term has been used in various fields such as grammar, meteorology, and music to describe different concepts of reversal or deviation. The concept of inversion has been studied and applied in different disciplines for centuries, contributing to our understanding of the world around us.

See also: invert, inverted, inverter.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,205 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.