reverse shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical (Cinematography, Media Studies), Occasionally Figurative (General)
Quick answer
What does “reverse shot” mean?
A film editing technique where the camera shows a character looking at something/someone off-screen, followed by a shot showing what they are looking at from their approximate point of view.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A film editing technique where the camera shows a character looking at something/someone off-screen, followed by a shot showing what they are looking at from their approximate point of view.
Any conversational or interactional sequence, especially in dialogue, where the perspective alternates between two parties (e.g., in interviews, debates). In broader non-cinematic contexts, can refer to a retaliatory action or response.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is international in film studies. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In metaphorical use, possibly more common in UK media analysis.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical cinematic contexts in both varieties. Very rare in everyday language in both.
Grammar
How to Use “reverse shot” in a Sentence
[director/editor] + uses/cuts to + a reverse shotThe sequence is built on + reverse shotsa reverse shot + of + [character/object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reverse shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director chose to reverse the shot order in the edit.
American English
- They decided to reverse the shot sequence for better pacing.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as a standard adverb for this phrase.)
American English
- (Not applicable as a standard adverb for this phrase.)
adjective
British English
- It's a classic reverse-shot sequence.
American English
- The reverse-shot pattern establishes the characters' conflict.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in media/PR: 'The interview used a classic shot/reverse shot format.'
Academic
Common in Film Studies, Media, and Communication theory texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only among film enthusiasts discussing movie techniques.
Technical
Standard term in screenwriting, cinematography, and film editing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reverse shot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reverse shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reverse shot”
- Using it to mean simply 'a shot played in reverse' (i.e., rewound).
- Using it for any alternating sequence without the element of a character's point-of-view.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An 'over-the-shoulder shot' is one type of shot that can be used in a reverse shot sequence. A reverse shot is the alternating pattern itself.
Not typically. The term is almost exclusively a noun (compound noun). You 'use a reverse shot' or 'cut to a reverse shot'.
Rarely. It is a cinematic term related to sequential editing. In still photography, a similar concept might be called 'diptych' or 'complementary angles'.
It's a fundamental filmmaking guideline that the camera should stay on one side of an imaginary line between characters during a reverse-shot sequence to avoid disorienting the viewer.
A film editing technique where the camera shows a character looking at something/someone off-screen, followed by a shot showing what they are looking at from their approximate point of view.
Reverse shot is usually technical (cinematography, media studies), occasionally figurative (general) in register.
Reverse shot: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɜːs ˈʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɜːrs ˈʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shot/reverse shot pattern”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tennis match (shot back and forth) seen from each player's side alternately.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS A PHYSICAL EXCHANGE (the 'shots' are volleys). SEEING IS A BEAM/LINK (the gaze connects the shots).
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY defining feature of a 'reverse shot'?