Word
invert
Phoneticsin·vert, stress on the second syllable
/ˌɪnˈvɝt/
Españolinvertir
Definition
v. to turn something upside down or inside out. In science, it can also mean changing the order of things or turning a positive into a negative.
v. to turn something upside down, inside out, or in the opposite direction. In technical contexts, it refers to reversing the order of elements or the polarity of a signal.
Examples
“The chef used a special tool to invert the cake onto a plate.”
“The technician had to invert the image to match the original negative before printing the photograph.”
“By inverting the traditional hierarchy of the organization, the new CEO hoped to foster a more collaborative environment where junior staff felt empowered to challenge senior decisions.”
Examples
simple
“The chef used a special tool to invert the cake onto a plate.”
contextual
“The technician had to invert the image to match the original negative before printing the photograph.”
complex
“By inverting the traditional hierarchy of the organization, the new CEO hoped to foster a more collaborative environment where junior staff felt empowered to challenge senior decisions.”
Real-World Examples
“If Russell could not do so, they said, they would "invert the cars" - put Antonelli into the lead to try himself.” “By inverting the scale, Celsius got almost nothing but positive numbers in everyday meteorology.” Etymology
From Middle French invertir.
Abbreviation of invertebrate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/invert
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0