ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reversing

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ɹiˈvɝsɪŋ// UK //ɹɪvˈɜːsɪŋ// re·vers·ing

v. to change something so it is the opposite of what it was before, or to drive a car backward.

v. changing the direction, order, or outcome of something to its opposite state; moving a vehicle in a backward direction.


SIMPLE

The court is reversing its previous decision.

CONTEXTUAL

After realizing he had missed his exit, the driver began reversing slowly down the shoulder of the road.

COMPLEX

The new administration is focused on reversing several long-standing environmental policies, arguing that the previous regulations were overly restrictive for small businesses.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when referring to changing a decision or order, but can be intransitive when describing the motion of a vehicle.

Pitfall

He is reverse the carHe is reversing the carLearners often use the base form 'reverse' instead of the present participle 'reversing' when describing an action currently in progress.

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