rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryreverseOpposite
verb / noun / adjective

reverse

rih-VURS/rɪˈvɜːrs/

A direction or condition opposite to the original.

The woman reverses the tiles' order by exchanging the two outer ones.

Two successive views of a woman reversing the order of three numbered tiles: initially 1–2–3, then 3–2–1.
Etymology
reLatinback
+verseLatinturn

The pieces express “turn back.” That physical image extends to turning something the other way or inside out, and more generally to changing its order or effect to the opposite.

In context

Criminal Defense Law Uncovered1:49
If the evidence presented during the trial was not enough to support a conviction, an appellet court may decide to reverse the verdict.
How Can A Criminal Trial Verdict Be Overturned On Appeal? - Criminal Defense Law Uncovered

More examples

  • Read the steps in reverse order.
  • The coin has an eagle on its reverse.
  • Despite several financial reverses, the company remains profitable.
  • She reverses the car out of the driveway.

Forms

reverse · reverses · reversed · reversing

reversal noun — A change to an opposite direction or condition.

reversible adjective — Able to be changed back again.

Similar words

opposite
Names a contrasting thing without necessarily suggesting a change.
backward
Describes movement toward the back, not every opposite condition.
setback
Specifically names a change that delays or harms progress.