re-

back, again; restoration or reversal

Forms

re-
red- — An early Latin form used before vowels and h.

Origin

Its ancestry before Latin is uncertain.

Note

In some old compounds the prefix adds emphasis, while in others its separate contribution has become unclear.

270 / 284

verb

revert

rih-VURT/rɪˈvɜːrt/

To return to an earlier state or practice.

Under stress, she often reverts to her old habits.

Person switches back from a new awkward tool to familiar old hand tool.

Etymology

reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal

+vertLatinturn

The pieces mean “turn back.” That image extends beyond physical movement to returning to an earlier condition or taking up a former habit or practice.

In context

True Direction Islam4:03

And Israelites, who, remember, are still mentally so fragile, they rapidly revert right back to the idol worship of their former Egyptian oppressors.

Prophet Aaron: The Vizier Prophet and the Ultimate Companion

More examples

The team reverted to its original plan after the trial.
The settings revert to their defaults when you restart the device.
After trying a new schedule, we are reverting to our usual hours.

Forms

revert · reverts · reverted · reverting

reversion noun — A return to an earlier state.

Similar words

return: Broader term for going back to places, activities, or conditions.
relapse: Specifically suggests returning to illness or harmful behavior after improvement.