reversible: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal & technical (in formal contexts, science, law, textiles); informal (clothing).
Quick answer
What does “reversible” mean?
Capable of being returned to an original state, order, or direction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Capable of being returned to an original state, order, or direction; able to be undone or changed back.
Also refers to clothing or fabrics designed to be worn with either side facing outwards.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The adjective 'reversible' is standard in both varieties for all meanings.
Connotations
Identical. Both associate it with clothing, processes, decisions, and scientific concepts.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “reversible” in a Sentence
be + reversible (The decision is reversible.)verb + noun + as reversible (We classify the process as reversible.)make + noun + reversible (The new design makes the coat reversible.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reversible” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable; 'reversible' is not a verb. The verb is 'reverse'.)
American English
- (Not applicable; 'reversible' is not a verb. The verb is 'reverse'.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable; 'reversible' is not an adverb. The adverb is 'reversibly'.)
American English
- (Not applicable; 'reversible' is not an adverb. The adverb is 'reversibly'.)
adjective
British English
- The judge ruled the conviction contained a reversible error.
- She bought a lovely reversible anorak for walking in the Lake District.
American English
- The court found the ruling was reversible on appeal.
- He wore a reversible vest, flipping it to the fleece side when it got colder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to contractual clauses, decisions, or investments that can be withdrawn or undone.
Academic
Used in chemistry (reversible reactions), physics (reversible processes), law (reversible error), and medicine (reversible condition).
Everyday
Most commonly describes clothing (a reversible jacket) or decisions (a reversible choice).
Technical
In thermodynamics: a process where the system and surroundings can be restored to their original states.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reversible”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reversible”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reversible”
- Using 'reversable' (incorrect spelling; correct: reversible).
- Confusing 'reversible' with 'reversal' (noun).
- Overusing for non-technical contexts where 'changeable' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Describing clothing, like a jacket or a belt, that can be worn with either side out.
No. 'Reversible' describes a capability (can be reversed). 'Reversed' describes a state that has already been changed to the opposite (has been reversed).
Yes, if it can be changed, undone, or taken back without permanent consequences.
A mistake made during a trial that is significant enough to have affected the outcome, thus providing grounds for an appellate court to reverse the judgment.
Capable of being returned to an original state, order, or direction.
Reversible is usually formal & technical (in formal contexts, science, law, textiles); informal (clothing). in register.
Reversible: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɜːsəbl/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɜːrsəbl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A reversible coat”
- “A reversible error (legal term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-VERS-IBLE: you can RE-turn and go back the VERS-e (opposite) way; it's -IBLE (possible).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A TWO-WAY STREET (for reversible processes); AN OBJECT IS TWO-FACED (for reversible clothing).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reversible' used as a specific technical term?