Reversible
/rɪˈvɜːsɪbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsCapable of being turned the other way around; able to be reversed.
/rɪˈvɜːsɪbəl/
Capable of being reversed or turned the other way around.
The doctor explained that the effects of the medication were reversible.
💡 Simply: Imagine a jacket you can wear on either side – that's reversible! You can change things back to the way they were, like undoing something.
👶 For kids: Something that can be changed back to how it was before, like a jacket you can wear on both sides!
More Examples
The new process promises reversible damage, so that recovery can be expected.
Make sure the seatbelts are reversible for all of the riders.
How It's Used
"A reversible engine can run in either direction."
"The jacket is reversible, offering two different looks."
Capable of being annulled, voided, or made invalid.
/rɪˈvɜːsɪbəl/
Capable of being undone or annulled.
The judge ruled that the verdict was reversible if new evidence was found.
💡 Simply: Like a decision you can change your mind about. If something's reversible, it's not set in stone; it can be cancelled or changed.
👶 For kids: Something that can be UN-done, like taking back a promise.
More Examples
The company's policies are reversible, so there's room for change.
The contract contains reversible clauses, allowing for potential alterations.
How It's Used
"The court's decision was considered reversible on appeal."
"The agreement had a reversible clause in case of unforeseen circumstances."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
reversible error
An error that can be corrected or undone, typically in a program or calculation.
"The debugger helped me identify the reversible error in the code."
reversible reaction
A chemical reaction that can proceed in both forward and reverse directions, reaching a state of equilibrium.
"A classic example of a reversible reaction is the synthesis of ammonia."
From Middle French `reversible`, from Latin `reversibilis`, from `reverti` (to turn back) and `-ibilis` (able to be).
The word gained prominence in scientific and legal contexts in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly with advancements in chemistry and law.
Memory tip
Think of a reversible coat – you can wear it inside out or outside in!
Word Origin
"to turn back"