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Obverse: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿช™
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obverse

 

[ หˆรคbvษ™rs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

coin design

The obverse is the side of a coin that features the principal design, typically the image of a notable figure or symbol associated with the issuing authority. This is usually opposite the reverse side, which generally displays a different design element.

Synonyms

anterior, face, front

Examples of usage

  • The obverse of the coin shows the face of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • He collected coins and was particularly interested in the obverse designs.
  • The obverse typically features the year of minting.
Context #2 | Noun

general use

In a broader sense, the term obverse can refer to the side of any object that faces forward or is considered the main side. It can also refer to an opposing or corresponding aspect of a situation or argument.

Synonyms

counterpart, opposite, reverse

Examples of usage

  • The obverse of this issue is the economic impact.
  • In art, the obverse and reverse of a painting may convey different messages.
  • The obverse to her argument was quite compelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "obverse" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น anverso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเคฎเคจเฅ‡ เค•เคพ เคนเคฟเคธเฅเคธเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Vorderseite

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sisi depan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะธั†ะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ awers

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่กจ้ข

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท avers

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ anverso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รถn yรผz

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•ž๋ฉด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ูˆุฌู‡ ุงู„ุฃู…ุงู…ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ averz

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ avers

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆญฃ้ข

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ avert

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ forsรญรฐa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตั‚ะบะตะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ˜แƒœแƒ แƒ›แƒฎแƒแƒ แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รถn tษ™rษ™f

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ anverso

Etymology

The word 'obverse' comes from the Latin word 'obversus,' which is the past participle of 'obvertere,' meaning 'to turn toward.' This Latin term is a combination of 'ob-' meaning 'against' or 'in front of,' and 'vertere,' which means 'to turn.' The original usage of the term in English began in the late 16th century, primarily in the context of coinage and numismatics, where it was used to describe the front side of coins. Over time, the meaning expanded into other fields, such as art and literature, where it began to denote the counterpart or opposite sides of various subjects. The connotation of being 'facing' or 'opposite' has remained a steady theme in its evolution.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,846, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.