Reversal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
reversal
[rษชหvษหsl ]
Definitions
psychological
The act or process of reversing or being reversed; a change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.
Synonyms
inversion, reversing, reversion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reversal |
Often used in a general sense to describe a complete change of direction, situation, or decision. Commonly associated with policy changes, decisions in sports, or legal verdicts.
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| reversing |
Typically used to denote the action of moving backward or undoing an action. Commonly found in contexts related to driving or reversing effects or decisions.
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| inversion |
Usually refers to a situation where something is turned upside down or the order is completely opposite. It can be used in scientific, grammatical, and financial contexts.
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| reversion |
Often refers to the return to a previous state or the act of reverting. This term is generally used in more formal contexts, such as legal, financial, or historical discussions.
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Examples of usage
- The reversal of roles in the experiment was unexpected.
- The sudden reversal of fortune took everyone by surprise.
legal
An official decision by a court of law that changes a previous decision or ruling.
Synonyms
overturning, reversal of judgment, reversal of ruling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reversal |
A general term used when something is turned around or changed to its opposite. It can apply to various situations, such as decisions, trends, or conditions.
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| overturning |
Often used in legal or formal contexts where an authority changes a previous decision or rule.
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| reversal of judgment |
Specifically used in legal contexts where a higher court changes the decision of a lower court.
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| reversal of ruling |
Refers to changing a formal decision or order, usually within a legal system or official capacity.
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Examples of usage
- The appeal resulted in a reversal of the original judgment.
- The Supreme Court's reversal of the lower court's decision was highly controversial.
financial
A change in the direction of a trend, especially a sudden change from upward to downward movement in the value of a financial asset.
Synonyms
downturn, reversal of trend, turnaround.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reversal |
Use this word to describe a significant change in direction or opinion.
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| downturn |
This word is appropriate for describing a decline in economic activities or performance. It often pertains to periods of reduced business and economic prospects.
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| reversal of trend |
This phrase is best suited for situations where there has been a sustained trend and then a change occurs, often in financial or statistical contexts.
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| turnaround |
This word is used to describe a complete change from a bad situation to a good one, typically in business or sports contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The stock market experienced a sharp reversal after the economic report was released.
- Investors were caught off guard by the sudden reversal in the currency exchange rate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In cognitive psychology, reversals can refer to changes in thought patterns, often linked to learning and problem-solving.
- Behavioral reversals in therapy show how changing one's approach can alter emotional responses and behaviors.
- Attachment theory suggests that a reversal in relationships can impact emotional security, leading to growth or distress.
Science
- In genetics, a reversal mutation is when a mutation returns to its original state, highlighting evolution's complexities.
- In physics, reversal principles are used to explain phenomena like timeโs flow and entropy in closed systems.
- Chemical reactions can experience reversals, where products can convert back to reactants under certain conditions.
Pop Culture
- In movies, plot twists often serve as a reversal, changing character roles and motivations in surprising ways.
- Within literature, reversals of fortune are common themes that showcase the unpredictability of life.
- In video games, many characters have reversal skills that allow them to turn the tables in battles, adding excitement.
History
- The reversal of policies, like the Reversal of Fortunes in political strategies, has shaped many nationsโ histories.
- In Ancient Rome, a reversal in governance often led to the rise and fall of emperors, illustrating a significant shift in power.
- Reversal movements during the Enlightenment sought to challenge traditional authority and promote new ideas.
Origin of 'reversal'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'reversus', meaning 'turned back' or 'return'.
- In Middle English, it evolved from 'reversen', showing its long history in language.
- The prefix 're-' implies doing something again, while 'versal' relates to turning or changing.
The word 'reversal' originated from the verb 'reverse', which came from the Latin word 'reversus', past participle of 'revertere', meaning 'turn back'. The concept of reversal has been present in various contexts throughout history, including psychology, law, and finance. It is commonly used to describe a change in direction or position, whether in a physical, legal, or financial sense.
See also: irreversible, irreversibly, reverse, reversed, reverser, reversing, reversion.