reverse
UK[rɪˈvɜːs]US[rɪˈvɜːrs]
v
To change something, such as a decision, process, or direction, to its opposite.
v
To drive a vehicle backwards.
n
The opposite of something mentioned.
n
The control in a vehicle that allows it to move backwards.
adj
Opposite to what is usual or to what has just been stated.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
verse
re
again, back
verse
to turn
Etymology
The word "reverse" entered English in the late Middle English period via Old French from the Latin reversus, the past participle of revertere, meaning 'to turn back.' This Latin verb is itself a compound of the prefix re- ('back') and vertere ('to turn'), a verb of Proto-Indo-European origin. The core logic of turning back or turning around persists in all modern meanings, from physically moving a vehicle backwards to metaphorically turning a decision or situation into its opposite. Thus, the abstract concept of opposition is built directly upon the literal image of a directional about-face.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + verse (to turn)
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "again" or "back."
- verse: From Latin versus, the past participle of vertere, meaning "to turn." It functions as the core root indicating a turning action.
Examples
The court's decision reversed the previous ruling.
He carefully reversed the car into the narrow parking space.
The reverse side of the coin features the national emblem.