Reversibly: meaning, definitions and examples

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reversibly

 

[ rɪˈvɜːrsəblɪ ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

general usage

In a way that can be reversed or adjusted back to a previous state. This term is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts to describe processes that can be undone or altered without permanent change.

Synonyms

alterably, retroactively, undoably.

Examples of usage

  • The process can be reversibly altered to achieve different results.
  • The molecule can reversibly bind to other substances.
  • She reversibly changed her hairstyle back to the original.
  • The reaction is reversibly stable under certain conditions.

Etymology

The term 'reversibly' is derived from the adjective 'reversible', which comes through French from the Latin 'reversibilis', meaning 'able to be turned back'. The prefix 're-' means 'back' or 'again', and 'versus' is derived from 'vertere', meaning 'to turn'. Therefore, 'reversibly' pertains to the quality of being capable of being reversed. In scientific discourse, it emphasizes processes or reactions that do not lead to permanent results. The concept has become particularly prevalent in fields like chemistry and physics, where many reactions and processes can either proceed in one direction or revert back to their original state under certain conditions. Over the years, the use of the term has expanded into various other disciplines, including biology and economics, where reversible processes are of significant interest.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,492, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.