reverse video: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “reverse video” mean?
A display mode where text appears as light characters on a dark background, the opposite of the usual dark-on-light display.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A display mode where text appears as light characters on a dark background, the opposite of the usual dark-on-light display.
Any interface element or visual highlighting technique that inverts the typical foreground and background colours for emphasis, selection, or to indicate an active state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains consistent as 'reverse video'.
Connotations
None specific to either variety. Purely a technical descriptor.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “reverse video” in a Sentence
[Interface] + uses/displays/shows + [element] + in reverse video.[Element] + appears + in reverse video.Toggle/Enable/Disable + reverse video.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reverse video” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The terminal can be configured to reverse video the command prompt.
- The system reverses video for the active window.
American English
- The program will reverse video the selected text.
- You need to reverse video that cell to edit it.
adjective
British English
- The reverse-video cursor is easier to see.
- It's a reverse-video status bar.
American English
- Check the reverse-video option in settings.
- A reverse-video highlight indicates your choice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, might be used in IT support or software documentation: 'The selected menu item is indicated by reverse video.'
Academic
Used in computer science, human-computer interaction (HCI), and design papers discussing legacy interface techniques.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A non-technical user would more likely say 'highlighted in white' or 'dark mode'.
Technical
The primary context. Common in software manuals, terminal emulator settings, and discussions of accessibility features like high-contrast modes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reverse video”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reverse video”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reverse video”
- Using 'reverse video' to mean a video played backwards (that is 'video in reverse').
- Confusing it with 'dark mode', which is a broader theme, not just an inversion for selection.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Dark mode is a comprehensive theme with dark backgrounds. Reverse video is a specific technique for inverting colours, often used temporarily for highlighting or selection within any theme.
Yes, in technical contexts, though it's less common than using it as a noun phrase (e.g., 'display in reverse video').
It originates from early monochrome displays. Modern interfaces use more sophisticated highlighting, colour cues, and theming, making the simple binary inversion less common as a primary method.
No, they are synonyms. 'Reverse video' is simply the more prevalent term in industry documentation and common usage.
A display mode where text appears as light characters on a dark background, the opposite of the usual dark-on-light display.
Reverse video is usually technical in register.
Reverse video: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɜːs ˈvɪd.i.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌvɝːs ˈvɪd.i.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a film **reverse**d: the negatives show light where the final print shows dark. Reverse video is like seeing the negative of the normal screen.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERFACE SELECTION IS INVERSION (Selecting an item turns its world inside-out, like flipping colours).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of 'reverse video' in a computing context?