# reverted

/ɹiˈvɝtɪd/ (US) · /ɹɪvˈɜːtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reverted
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to go back to a previous state, habit, or way of doing things. You use this when a change does not last and things return to how they were before.

For teachers: to return to a former condition, practice, subject, or belief. Often implies a regression to a simpler or less advanced state after a period of change.

## Examples

- After the holiday, he reverted to his old sleeping habits.
- The software reverted to its original settings after the system crashed during the update process.
- Despite the implementation of modern management techniques, the department quickly reverted to its traditional hierarchical structure once the consultant's contract expired.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The system reverted back to normal" but "The system reverted to normal" — Since 'revert' already means to go back, using 'back' with it is redundant.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'to'.

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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.