Meaning of Word
Revert refers to returning to a previous state, condition, practice, or topic. It can also mean responding to communication in certain contexts.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Verb: To return to a former state, condition, or behavior.
- Verb: To return to a previous owner or heir (in legal terms).
- Verb: To go back to a previous topic or discussion.
- Verb (informal): To reply to a message, email, or inquiry.
- Noun (archaic): A person who returns to a former belief or practice.
History and Origin
The word “revert” comes from the Latin revertere, meaning “to turn back.” It is formed from re- (back) and vertere (to turn). First used in English during the late Middle Ages, it originally referred to returning to an earlier condition, and its meaning has broadened over time to include various contexts.
Detailed Explanation
“Revert” typically implies going back to something that existed earlier, such as habits, states, or discussions. In legal contexts, it denotes property returning to its original owner or their heirs. In informal usage, especially in workplaces, it means responding to a query or message. While its formal uses lean towards physical or legal reversion, modern usage often applies metaphorically to ideas, discussions, and communication.
Example Sentences
- After a brief improvement, the patient reverted to their earlier symptoms.
- Please revert to me with the details by tomorrow.
- The conversation reverted to the unresolved issue from earlier.
- The abandoned land will revert to the original owner after 10 years.
- If you stop practicing, your skills might revert to a beginner level.
- He reverted to his old habits of procrastination despite earlier efforts.
- After years of modernization, the town is reverting to its traditional ways.
- The court ruled that the property should revert to the family.
- Without proper maintenance, the garden reverted to a wild state.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Return: To go back to a previous place, condition, or practice.
- Relapse: To fall back into a former or worse condition.
- Regress: To move backward, often to a less developed state.
- Resume: To go back to an activity or state that had been paused.
- Retrogress: To return to an earlier and typically worse condition.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Reversion: The act or process of reverting to a previous state.
- Reverse: To move or turn in the opposite direction.
- Relinquish: To give up or return something voluntarily.
- Fallback: A retreat or return to a less advanced position.
- Regression: A return to a less developed or earlier state.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Revertible: Capable of being reverted or returned.
- Reverter: A person or thing that reverts.
- Irreversible: Opposite of revert; cannot return to the previous state.
- Revisit: To return to a topic or idea for further consideration.
- Reversionary: Pertaining to the return of property or rights.
Antonyms
- Advance: To move forward or progress.
- Progress: To develop or improve further.
- Continue: To persist without returning to a former state.
- Maintain: To keep a current state without reverting.
- Evolve: To develop into a more advanced state over time.
