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Reverse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reverse

[rɪˈvɜrs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action

To move backwards or in the opposite direction from the one that one is facing.

Synonyms

backtrack, invert, retract.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reverse

Use when speaking about changing direction or order of something, often applied in physical and abstract contexts, like reversing a car or reversing a decision.

  • She reversed the car out of the driveway.
  • The company decided to reverse its policy on remote work.
backtrack

Most appropriate for situations where someone needs to go back over the same path they just traveled, often metaphorical, referring to revisiting previous actions or decisions.

  • We had to backtrack to find the lost keys.
  • The politician had to backtrack on his earlier statements.
retract

Appropriate in situations involving withdrawing a statement, promise, or accusation, often carrying a formal or negative connotation.

  • The newspaper had to retract the false story.
  • He retracted his previous statement in court.
invert

Best used when describing flipping something upside down or reversing its position, order, or arrangement.

  • Invert the image to see the hidden details.
  • The engineer had to invert the circuit design.

Examples of usage

  • He reversed the car out of the parking space.
  • She reversed her decision after thinking it over.
  • The team was forced to reverse their strategy due to unexpected circumstances.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, reversing direction often involves changes in speed and acceleration.
  • In psychology, reversing a negative thought can help improve mental well-being.
  • In genetics, reverse transcription allows the synthesis of DNA from RNA.

Culture

  • Reverse is a common theme in literature, where characters undergo significant transformations.
  • In pop music, reverse effects are frequently used to create unique soundscapes.
  • The idea of reversing time appears in many films and books, exploring alternate realities.

Technology

  • The reverse image search tool allows users to find the origin of a photo or who has used it online.
  • Many video editing softwares allow for clips to play in reverse, creating intriguing visual effects.
  • In programming, reversing a string is a common practice to demonstrate algorithm skills.

Everyday Life

  • Many devices, like microwaves, have a reverse setting that reverts them to a previous mode.
  • In cooking, reverse searing is a method used to cook meat slowly before finishing with a high heat.
  • In games, players often have the ability to reverse moves or decisions, affecting the outcome.

Origin of 'reverse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'revertere,' meaning 'to turn back.'
  • In Old French, the term evolved to 'revers,' which also means to turn around.
  • The current spelling has been used since the late 14th century in English.

The word 'reverse' originated from the Latin word 'reversus', which is the past participle of 'revertere', meaning 'turn back'. The term has been in use since the 14th century in English and has evolved to represent the act of moving backward or in the opposite direction.

See also: irreversible, irreversibly, reversal, reversed, reverser, reversing, reversion.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,190, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.