reversal
Reversal (noun) means a change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome. Example: “The court's decision was a stunning reversal of the earlier ruling.”
How to use reversal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA complete switch to the opposite of what was happening before.
Word forms
reversals plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The court's decision was a stunning _____ of the earlier ruling.
Etymology
From Middle English reversall, formed from reverse plus the suffix -al.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for reversal
See all rhymes for reversal →Frequently asked questions
What does “reversal” mean?
The word “reversal” means a change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome. In plain terms, a complete switch to the opposite of what was happening before.
How do you pronounce “reversal”?
“Reversal” is pronounced rih-VUR-suhl (/ɹɪˈvɜː(ɹ)səl/ in IPA).
How do you use “reversal” in a sentence?
Here is “reversal” used in a sentence: “The court's decision was a stunning reversal of the earlier ruling.”
What is another word for “reversal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reversal” include reversion and about-face.
What part of speech is “reversal”?
“Reversal” is a noun.
Where does the word “reversal” come from?
The word “reversal” comes from Middle English. From Middle English reversall, formed from reverse plus the suffix -al.
Is “reversal” a common word?
“Reversal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a reversal and a setback?
A reversal is a change to the opposite direction, position, or outcome, meaning things move against a previous course entirely, while a setback is a temporary difficulty or delay that does not necessarily change the overall direction. A team can suffer a setback without experiencing a full reversal of fortune.
What is the difference between reversal and reversion?
Reversal describes a change to the opposite outcome or direction, such as a court reversing a decision, while reversion describes a return to a previous state or condition. A legal reversal overturns a ruling, whereas a reversion might describe land returning to its original owner.
What does reversal mean in a legal context?
In a legal context, a reversal occurs when a higher court overturns the decision of a lower court, changing the outcome to the opposite of what was originally decided. This is a specific application of the general sense of reversal as a change to the opposite direction or outcome.