reversion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “reversion” mean?
A return to a previous state, condition, practice, or belief.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A return to a previous state, condition, practice, or belief.
In law, the return of an estate to the grantor or heirs after a specific period or event; in biology, the return of a plant or animal to an ancestral characteristic; in finance, the right to future possession of an asset.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily in legal contexts: 'reversion' is the core term for the future interest in property in both, but specific statutes and phrasing in deeds may differ. The term 'reversioner' is used in both legal traditions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a negative connotation when describing a societal or personal 'reversion to barbarism' or bad habits. Neutral in legal/financial contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard and required in specific legal, financial, and biological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “reversion” in a Sentence
the reversion of [something] to [someone/something]a reversion to [state/condition]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reversion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The estate will revert to the Crown.
- The software tends to revert to its default settings.
American English
- The land will revert to the state.
- He reverted to his old email address.
adjective
British English
- He holds a reversionary interest in the property.
- The reversion clause was activated.
American English
- The contract includes a reversionary right.
- They calculated the reversion value.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In mergers, the reversion of assets to the original owner if conditions are not met.
Academic
Studying the reversion of cultivated plants to their wild forms.
Everyday
His diet was a complete reversion to his old unhealthy habits.
Technical
The legal doctrine of reversion ensures property returns to the grantor's heirs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reversion”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reversion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reversion”
- Confusing 'reversion' (a return to a prior state) with 'reversal' (a complete turn-around to an opposite state).
- Using 'reversion' for a simple change instead of a return.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Reversion' is a return to a previous state or owner. 'Reversal' is a change to an opposite direction, position, or outcome.
It is quite formal. In everyday speech, 'return' or 'going back' is more common, though 'reversion' can be used for emphasis.
A future right to possess or inherit property or assets, which becomes effective upon the termination of a prior estate (like a lease or life interest).
Not always. It is neutral in technical contexts (law, finance). It can carry a negative connotation when describing a return to a worse state (e.g., 'reversion to chaos').
A return to a previous state, condition, practice, or belief.
Reversion is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Reversion: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɜː.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɝː.ʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reversion to type (the tendency to return to innate character)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-VERSION: going back to a former VERSION of something.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PATH: Reversion is a step backwards on the path of progress.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reversion' most precisely used?