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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Reverse

rəˈvərs
Common
~ 3800
~ 3800, Common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
To move backward or in the opposite direction, To change to the opposite in position, order, or relationship, The opposite or contrary of something, To turn something inside out or upside down

Reverse - Meanings

To move backward or in the opposite direction

Example: He reversed the car out of the parking space.
Usage: formal/informalContext: driving, navigation
Note: Commonly used in everyday language when referring to changing the direction of movement.

To change to the opposite in position, order, or relationship

Example: The team reversed their decision after receiving new information.
Usage: formalContext: business, decision-making
Note: Used in professional settings to indicate a change in a previous decision or action.

The opposite or contrary of something

Example: In some cultures, black is seen as the reverse of white.
Usage: formalContext: philosophy, cultural studies
Note: Commonly used in academic or intellectual discussions to indicate opposition or contrast.

To turn something inside out or upside down

Example: She reversed her jacket to show the patterned side.
Usage: informalContext: fashion, personal style
Note: Used in casual contexts, especially when talking about clothing or accessories.

Reverse's synonyms

opposite

Opposite refers to something that is completely different or contrary to something else.
Example: The opposite of 'forward' is 'backward'.
Note: While 'reverse' can imply a backward motion, 'opposite' focuses on being contrary or completely different.

invert

Invert means to turn something upside down or change the order or position of something.
Example: To invert the colors, you can use a photo editing software.
Note: While 'reverse' often implies going backward, 'invert' focuses on changing the order or position of something.

backwards

Backwards indicates movement in the opposite direction to the usual or forward direction.
Example: She walked backwards to retrace her steps.
Note: Similar to 'reverse', 'backwards' implies a backward movement or direction.

flip

Flip means to turn over or cause to turn over with a sudden sharp movement.
Example: He decided to flip the switch to turn off the light.
Note: While 'reverse' often implies going back in the same direction, 'flip' involves a sudden turning over or change in orientation.

Reverse expressions, common phrases

reverse psychology

Reverse psychology is a technique where you advocate for the opposite of what you want in order to achieve your desired outcome.
Example: He used reverse psychology to convince her to go to the party.
Note: The phrase 'reverse psychology' uses 'reverse' to indicate a contrary or opposite approach to achieve a specific result.

reverse course

To reverse course means to change direction or make a complete turnaround in one's actions or decisions.
Example: The company decided to reverse course on their new marketing strategy.
Note: In this context, 'reverse' is used to signify a change in direction or action from the current path.

reverse the trend

To reverse the trend means to change the direction of a prevailing pattern or tendency.
Example: The new policies aim to reverse the trend of declining sales.
Note: Here, 'reverse' implies a shift or change in the current pattern or trajectory.

reverse gear

Reverse gear is the gear in a vehicle that allows it to move backward.
Example: Make sure to shift into reverse gear before backing up the car.
Note: In this case, 'reverse' is used in the context of mechanical operations, specifically referring to moving in the opposite direction.

reverse a decision

To reverse a decision means to overturn or change a previous judgment or choice.
Example: The committee voted to reverse their decision and grant the appeal.
Note: 'Reverse' in this phrase indicates a complete turnaround or cancellation of a prior decision.

reverse engineer

Reverse engineering is the process of analyzing a product or system to understand its design, construction, or operation.
Example: The software company used reverse engineering to understand their competitor's product.
Note: In this context, 'reverse' implies the act of dissecting or deconstructing something to comprehend its inner workings.

reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a loan arrangement where homeowners can convert part of the equity in their homes into cash without having to sell the property.
Example: Many retirees opt for a reverse mortgage to supplement their income in retirement.
Note: Here, 'reverse' is used in the sense of receiving money in the form of a loan against the value of an asset, typically a home.

Reverse everyday (slang) expressions

Switcheroo

Switcheroo is a playful term used to refer to a sudden or unexpected change or reversal of roles, positions, or plans.
Example: Let's do a switcheroo and have dessert before dinner.
Note: Switcheroo adds a sense of whimsy and light-heartedness compared to the straightforward term 'reverse'.

180

To do a 180 means to make a complete turnaround or reversal in one's opinion, behavior, or stance.
Example: After the argument, she did a complete 180 and apologized.
Note: 180 degrees is a metaphorical measurement of a complete turnaround, whereas 'reverse' is a simpler concept of going backward.

Backtrack

Backtrack implies retracing steps or actions to go back to a previous point in order to correct or reconsider a decision.
Example: Let's backtrack and figure out where we went wrong.
Note: Backtrack focuses on reviewing past actions, while 'reverse' is more general in meaning.

U-turn

A U-turn signifies a sudden and complete reversal of direction, decision, or opinion.
Example: The company made a U-turn on its policy regarding remote work.
Note: The term originates from a literal driving maneuver but is now commonly used figuratively in various contexts, unlike 'reverse'.

Flop

In slang, 'flop' can refer to something that fails or disappoints, indicating a reverse in expected success or outcome.
Example: The movie's sequel was a total flop compared to the original.
Note: Flop is more informal and slangy, emphasizing failure or disappointment, unlike the neutral term 'reverse'.

Do a 360

To do a 360 is to completely change one's perspective, attitude, or behavior, often making a full turnaround.
Example: She used to hate sushi, but now she's done a 360 and eats it every week.
Note: Similar to '180', 360 implies a complete change but suggests a return to the starting point, unlike the straightforward reversal of 'reverse'.

Reverse - Examples

The reverse side of the coin has a different design.
She walked backwards and spoke in reverse.
The car has a reverse gear for backing up.

Reverse grammar

Reverse - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: reverse
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): reverse
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): reverses, reverse
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): reverse
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): reversed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): reversing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): reverses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): reverse
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): reverse
Syllables, Separation and Stress
reverse Contains 2 syllables: re • verse
Phonetic transcription: ri-ˈvərs
re verse , ri ˈvərs (The red syllable is stressed)

Reverse - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
reverse: ~ 3800 (Common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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