reverse

/ˈrɛvɜːrs/
verbadjectivenounIntermediate to turn in the opposite direction
general

to turn or move in the opposite direction

The driver reversed the vehicle to park it.

The driver turned the vehicle backward to park it.

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Commonly used for vehicles or processes that need to be undone.

general

to change to an opposite state or condition

The decision was reversed by the court.

The court changed the decision to its opposite.

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Often used in legal or formal contexts.

general

the opposite of something

The reverse side of the coin was blank.

The opposite side of the coin was blank.

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Used to describe the opposite side or aspect of something.

Collocations

reverse directionthe opposite directionreverse orderthe opposite sequencereverse engineeringanalyzing a product to understand its design

Related Phrases

reverse psychologyphrase
using the opposite of what someone wants to achieve a desired outcome
reverse chargephrase
a payment made by the recipient instead of the sender

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Reverse' is often used with vehicles, decisions, and processes that need to be undone.

Gold Rule

Verb vs. Noun

As a verb, 'reverse' means to turn or change to the opposite. As a noun, it refers to the opposite side or condition.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'reverser', from Latin 're-' (back) + 'versus' (turned).

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'reverse' can be both transitive and intransitive. As a noun, it refers to the opposite side or condition.

Word Breakdown

re-
back
prefix
+
-verse
turn
root
English Dictionary