Word
obverse
Phoneticsob·verse, stress on the second syllable
US/əbˈvɝs/
UK/ˈɒbvɜːs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the front side of a coin or medal — usually the side with a face or main picture on it. You see it when you look at the 'heads' side of a coin.
n. the front or principal face of a coin, medal, or banknote, typically bearing the main design or portrait, as opposed to the reverse. By extension, the facing or corresponding counterpart to an idea or argument.
Examples
“The coin shows a queen on its obverse.”
“The collector turns the Roman coin over to check the emperor's portrait on the obverse before examining the reverse.”
“While the reverse celebrates military victory, the obverse carries a serene profile that reminds viewers that every public triumph has a quieter human side.”
Examples
simple
“The coin shows a queen on its obverse.”
contextual
“The collector turns the Roman coin over to check the emperor's portrait on the obverse before examining the reverse.”
complex
“While the reverse celebrates military victory, the obverse carries a serene profile that reminds viewers that every public triumph has a quieter human side.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “obverse” in context.
Verb
01. examine obverse
“Hold the coin by its edge to examine the obverse under magnification.”
verb + noun
02. feature on obverse
“The national emblem is featured on the obverse of all new coins.”
verb + prep + noun
03. obverse bears
“The obverse bears the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE around the edge.”
noun + verb
04. obverse depicts
“The obverse depicts Queen Victoria wearing a small crown.”
noun + verb
05. obverse portrays
“The obverse portrays the founder of the republic facing left.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. commemorative obverse
“The commemorative obverse marks the centenary of independence.”
adj + noun
07. corroded obverse
“The corroded obverse was carefully cleaned by museum conservators.”
adj + noun
08. imperial obverse
“The imperial obverse displays Hadrian's laureate head facing right.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. inscription on obverse
“The inscription on the obverse gives the emperor's titles.”
noun + prep + noun
10. obverse of coin
“The obverse of the coin carries the date and mint mark.”
noun + prep + noun
11. obverse of medal
“The obverse of the medal shows the athlete's victorious pose.”
noun + prep + noun
12. examine the obverse and reverse
“Examine the obverse and reverse to confirm the coin is genuine.”
Usage
Often paired with and contrasted with 'reverse' for the back face.
Real-World Examples
“While this statute prohibits portraits of living people on the reverse (tails side) of coins, it does not explicitly cover the obverse (heads side), where Trump's likeness appears on the new $1 coins.” “However, Trump’s image on the new $1 coin appears on the obverse — the front of the coin — meaning it likely complies with the law.” “Designed by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, it features a portrait of George III on the obverse and a depiction of St George and the dragon on the reverse.” Etymology
From Latin obversus, 1650s.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/obverse