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Added 9 October 2026

reverse

/ɹɪˈvɜːs/ noun

Latin root: reversus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about reverse at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A relation of direct opposition.
we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
The gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed.
An unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating.

verb

Change to the contrary.
The trend was reversed
Turn inside out or upside down.
Rule against.
The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill

adjective

Directed or moving toward the rear.
a rearward glance
Of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle.
in reverse gear
Reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect.

Origin

From Middle English revers, from Anglo-Norman revers, Middle French revers, and their source, Latin reversus, perfect passive participle of reversō, from re- + versō. Doublet of revers.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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