reverse
pronunciation
How to pronounce reverse in British English:
UK [rɪˈvɜːs]
How to pronounce reverse in American English:
US [rɪˈvɜːrs]
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- Noun:
- a relation of direct opposition
- the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
- an unfortunate happening that hinders of impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
- the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
- (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
- turning in the opposite direction
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- Verb:
- change to the contrary
- turn inside out or upside down
- rule against
- annul by recalling or rescinding
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- Adjective:
- directed or moving toward the rear
- reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
- of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle
Word Origin
- reverse
- reverse: see verse
- reverse (adj.)
- c. 1300, from Old French revers "reverse, cross, opposite" (13c.), from Latin reversus, past participle of revertere "turn back, turn about, come back, return" (see revert). Reverse angle in film-making is from 1934. Reverse discrimination is attested from 1962, American English.
- reverse (n.)
- mid-14c., "opposite or contrary" (of something), from reverse (adj.) or from Old French Related: revers "the opposite, reverse." Meaning "a defeat, a change of fortune" is from 1520s; meaning "back side of a coin" is from 1620s. Of gear-shifts in motor cars, from 1875. As a type of sports play (originally rugby) it is recorded from 1921.
- reverse (v.)
- early 14c. (transitive), "change, alter;" early 15c. (intransitive), "go backward," from Old French reverser "reverse, turn around; roll, turn up" (12c.), from Late Latin reversare "turn about, turn back," frequentative of Latin revertere (see revert). Related: Reversed; reversing.
Example
- 1. The reverse is experiencing rebirth or healing .
- 2. This does not reverse that trend .
- 3. My budget began to reverse that trend .
- 4. Pull up to apply reverse thrust during landing .
- 5. This in turn reduces the cost of reverse logistics operations .