verb
Uncommon
revert
rih-VURT
Revert (verb) means to go back to a previous state, condition, or topic. Example: “Without treatment, the patient's symptoms tend to revert.”
verb
1
To go back to a previous state, condition, or topic.
"Without treatment, the patient's symptoms tend to revert."
"Let's revert to the original plan if this one doesn't work."
2
To reply, especially in a business or formal context.
"I'll revert to you by email once I have the figures."
How to use revert
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo go back to how things were before, or to reply to someone.
UK vs US
Using "revert" to mean "reply" (as in "I will revert shortly") is common in Indian and South Asian business English but sounds unusual to British or American ears, who'd just say "get back to you".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
revert to type
revert back
revert to an earlier version
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Word forms
- Plural
- reverts
- Third person singular
- reverts
- Past tense
- reverted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Without treatment, the patient's symptoms tend to _____.
Etymology
From Old French revertir, from Vulgar Latin revertire, based on Latin reverto, "to turn back".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for revert
See all rhymes for revert →Frequently asked questions
What does “revert” mean?
The word “revert” means to go back to a previous state, condition, or topic. In plain terms, to go back to how things were before, or to reply to someone.
How do you pronounce “revert”?
“Revert” is pronounced rih-VURT (/ɹɪˈvɝt/ in IPA).
How do you use “revert” in a sentence?
Here is “revert” used in a sentence: “Without treatment, the patient's symptoms tend to revert.”
What is another word for “revert”?
Words with a similar meaning to “revert” include deconvert, reconvert, rehabilitate, restitute, restore and roll back.
What is the opposite of “revert”?
The opposite of “revert” — its antonyms — is convert.
What part of speech is “revert”?
“Revert” is a verb.
Where does the word “revert” come from?
The word “revert” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French revertir, from Vulgar Latin revertire, based on Latin reverto, "to turn back".
Is “revert” a common word?
“Revert” is an uncommon word in modern English.
