Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Reversing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔄
Add to dictionary

reversing

[rɪˈvɜːrsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

To change something to its opposite, usually in order to return to the original state.

Synonyms

flip, invert, turn back.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reversing

Used when describing the action of moving backward or changing direction to the opposite. Commonly used in driving, programming, or reversing decisions.

  • I am reversing the car into the parking spot.
  • The engineer is reversing the code to find the bug.
  • The company is reversing its policy due to public outcry.
invert

Used in a more technical or formal context to describe the action of turning something upside down or reversing its order. Often used in mathematics, science, or formal writing.

  • The chemist inverted the flask to mix the solution.
  • Invert the fraction to solve the equation.
  • The image was inverted for a special effect in the film.
turn back

Used when describing the action of changing direction to go back to the starting point or to refrain from continuing. Often used in travel, adventure, or metaphorically in decisions.

  • We decided to turn back when we saw the storm approaching.
  • He turned back to get his forgotten keys.
  • Sometimes you have to turn back and rethink your strategy.
flip

Used when describing the action of turning something over quickly or changing something rapidly. Commonly used in physical activities, flipping objects, or in casual conversation.

  • She flipped the pancake to cook the other side.
  • He flipped through the magazine while waiting for his appointment.
  • The gymnast performed a perfect flip on the mat.

Examples of usage

  • She reversed the car back out of the driveway.
  • The decision was reversed by the higher court.
Context #2 | Noun

driving

The act of driving a vehicle backwards.

Synonyms

backing out, backing up, going in reverse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
reversing

General term for moving backward, often used in driving or mechanisms.

  • The car is reversing out of the parking spot.
  • He is reversing the direction of the conveyor belt.
backing up

Refers to moving backward in a vehicle or reversing in general. Can also mean creating a backup copy of data or causing a traffic jam.

  • The truck is backing up to the loading dock.
  • Remember to back up your files regularly.
  • The accident is backing up traffic for miles.
backing out

Typically used to describe a vehicle moving backward out of a confined space. Can also mean withdrawing from a commitment, often with a slightly negative connotation.

  • She is backing out of the driveway.
  • He backed out of the agreement at the last minute.
going in reverse

Specifically implies the action of moving backward, often used in the context of driving or mechanical operations.

  • The car is going in reverse to get out of the tight spot.
  • The machine is going in reverse to fix the alignment.

Examples of usage

  • He put the car in reverse and backed out of the parking space.
  • The reversing camera helps with parking.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Reversing thoughts can be a technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy to challenge negative thinking patterns.
  • A process known as 'cognitive reframing' encourages individuals to view situations from a different, often more positive perspective.
  • In decision-making, reversing options can help clarify choices by evaluating the potential outcomes from a new angle.

Technology

  • In computer programming, reversing a function might mean undoing an operation or finding an inverse function.
  • Data reversing is a common technique used in encryption and security to protect information from unauthorized access.
  • Navigating back in web browsers essentially involves reversing the history of visited pages.

Pop Culture

  • In film and media, reversing scenes can create dramatic effects, often leading to plot twists or comedic relief.
  • Music videos sometimes feature reversed clips to create artistic and memorable visuals, surprising the audience.
  • Popular songs that incorporate a reversed section can intrigue listeners, making them listen closely for hidden messages.

Science

  • In physics, reversing an action involves considering opposites, such as reversing flow in a circuit or movement of objects.
  • Reversible reactions in chemistry allow substances to return to their original forms, showcasing dynamic equilibrium.
  • Genetic engineering techniques sometimes reverse the genetic expression of traits by altering RNA sequences.

Origin of 'reversing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'revertere', meaning 'to turn back'.
  • It entered the English language around the late 14th century, reflecting the action of turning back or undoing.
  • In essence, it combines the prefix 're-' (again) and 'versus' (to turn), relating to the act of turning back.

The word 'reversing' is derived from the verb 'reverse', which comes from the Old French word 'reverser', meaning 'to turn back'. The concept of reversing has been important in various fields such as driving, engineering, and mathematics, where the idea of going back to a previous state or position is crucial.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,687 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.