Language Research

reverse · verb

/rɪˈvɜːs/Full view

reverse (DRIVE BACKWARDS)

B2 I or T to drive a vehicle backwards

Dictionary examples:

I hate reversing into parking spaces.

She reversed the car into the parking space.

Learner example:

Inch by inch, I reversed and went forward, reversed and went forward... too far! (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

reverse (CHANGE)

C1 T to change a situation or change the order of things so that it becomes the opposite

Dictionary examples:

Now that you have a job and I don't, our situations are reversed.

It is unlikely that the judge will reverse his decision.

Let's reverse the order - I'll give the first talk and you go second.

Learner example:

This trend should be reversed in the near future. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

reverse · noun U

/rɪˈvɜːs/

reverse

C2 the method of controlling a vehicle that makes it go backwards

Dictionary example:

Put the car into reverse.

Learner example:

I had a last good look around and then I returned to the car and put it into reverse. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

in reverse

C1 in the opposite order or way

Dictionary example:

Do the same steps but this time in reverse.

Learner example:

They want to see what they are not like, how they would not react and this, in reverse, helps them [to] find themselves. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

the reverse

C2 the opposite of what has been suggested

Dictionary example:

"So, is he happier?" "Quite the reverse - I've never seen him look so miserable."

Learner example:

However, it is common fallacy among youngsters that being a freelancer leaves a lot of time for rest. Quite the reverse, they are inclined to put even more pressure on themselves, as there are no fixed hours. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

reverse · adjective always before noun

/rɪˈvɜːs/