reverse
rih-VURS
/rɪˈvɜːrs/
To move or cause a vehicle to move backward; to turn or set in the opposite direction.
Implies active movement backwards using reverse gear or reversing motion.
The story behind the word. Composed of Latin re- (back) and vertere (to turn), reverse literally means 'to turn back'. Used for centuries in textile work and poetry, it naturally attached itself to backward gear ratios when automotive transmissions were designed.
Word relationships
- back up: Back up is more informal and commonly used in casual speech.
- retrograde: Retrograde is technical or astronomical rather than everyday driving.
- advance: Advance means moving forward toward a target.
- proceed: Proceed means continuing ahead in direction.
Commonly confused with
- revert: Revert means returning to a previous state or condition, not driving backward.
Word family
- reversal (noun): A change to an opposite direction or state.
- reversible (adjective): Able to be turned around or reversed.
Collocations
- shift into reverse
- reverse camera
- reverse out of
Idioms & expressions
- in reverse
- reverse gear
Example sentences
- "Always check your rearview mirror before shifting into reverse and backing out of the driveway." Driveway parking
- "Seeing the alley blocked, the delivery driver had to reverse carefully down the narrow street." Urban driving maneuver
Memory hook
RE-VERSE = Turn back toward the REar of your vehicle. Reverse = Back it up!
When not to use
Avoid using for simple sideways movement or turning around without backward motion.
Fun facts
- In early automobiles without reverse gears, drivers had to physically push vehicles backward or use a turntable!
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