# reversed

/ɹiˈvɝst/ (US) · /ɹɪvˈɜːsd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reversed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. opposite or inverted

adjective · CEFR B1

turned around or changed to the opposite of what it was before.

For teachers: turned or changed to the contrary; having an inverted position, order, or direction.

- The image appeared reversed when he looked at it in the mirror.
- The court issued a reversed decision after new evidence suggested the initial ruling had been based on a flawed interpretation of the statute.

### 3. upside down (botany)

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describing a part of a plant, like a flower, that is turned upside down.

For teachers: describing a plant organ, such as a flower or leaf, that is resupinate or twisted 180 degrees from its usual position.

- The orchid has a reversed flower structure that helps it attract specific insects.
- The resupinate nature of the labellum in many orchid species results in a reversed orientation that facilitates pollination by providing a landing platform for insects.

Usage: Used primarily in botanical descriptions to identify specific structural orientations.

## Examples

- The judge reversed the decision after seeing new evidence.
- The company reversed its policy on remote work after employees expressed their dissatisfaction with the new rules.
- The appellate court reversed the lower court's ruling, citing a significant misinterpretation of the existing statutes regarding digital privacy rights.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.