Revert vs. Reverse: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Revert means to return to a previous state or condition, whereas reverse means to turn something around or in the opposite direction.
Key Differences
Revert is used to describe the act of going back to a previous state or condition, often implying a return to an original or former state. Reverse, on the other hand, involves changing the direction, order, or position of something, often to its opposite state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In a technical context, to revert can mean to return to a previous version of a document or software after changes have been made. In contrast, to reverse in this context would mean to undo or negate the direction of changes or operations performed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Revert can also imply a regression or return to an earlier form of behavior or belief, often after a period of change. Reverse, in a behavioral context, means to change one's decision, opinion, or course of action to the opposite.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In legal terms, revert may refer to the return of property or rights to their original owner or state after a specific condition has been met. In comparison, reverse in legal language often refers to changing a decision or judgment, such as an appellate court reversing a lower court's decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In biology, revert can describe the process by which an organism returns to a previous state of physical development or genetic expression. Conversely, reverse in biology might refer to the inversion of a process or sequence, such as reversing the flow in a biological pathway.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Return to a previous state
Change to the opposite direction or order
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Technical Use
Return to a previous version (e.g., software)
Undo changes or operations
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Behavioral Context
Regression to earlier behavior or belief
Change to the opposite decision or action
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Legal Use
Return of property/rights to original state
Change of a legal decision or judgment
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Biological Context
Return to previous physical or genetic state
Inversion of a process or sequence
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Revert and Reverse Definitions
Revert
Return to Previous State
The software will automatically revert to an earlier version after the update.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
Undo or Negate Changes
The editor used the reverse function to undo the last edit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Revert
Regain Former Condition
After the concert, the hall reverted to its usual quiet state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
Turned backward in position, direction, or order
The reverse side of the poster.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To go back to a former condition, practice, subject, or belief
A meadow reverting to forest.
A reformed shoplifter reverting to old habits.
A speaker reverting to her opening remarks.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Reverse
Moving, acting, or organized in a manner contrary to the usual
In reverse order.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To resume using something that has been disused
Had to revert to the typewriter when the computer failed.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(Law) To be returned to the former owner or to the former owner's heirs. Used of money or property.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(Printing) Printed in such a way that the normally colored part appears white against a colored or black background.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The opposite or contrary
All along we thought Sue was older than Bill, but just the reverse was true.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To cause to go back to a former condition, practice, subject, or belief
"The doctor was reverted to the rank of Assistant Surgeon" (George Orwell).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The side of a coin or medal that does not carry the principal design; the verso.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(Law) To return (an estate, for example) to the grantor or the grantor's heirs or successor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
A change in fortune from better to worse; a setback
Suffered financial reverses.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(religion) One who reverts to that religion which he had adhered to before having converted to another
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
A mechanism, such as a gear in a motor vehicle, that is used to reverse movement.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(computing) The act of reversion (of e.g. a database transaction or source control repository) to an earlier state.
We've found that git reverts are at least an order of magnitude faster than SVN reverse merges.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
The skateboard maneuver of rotating the board 180 degrees or more while the wheels remain on the ground.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(Football) An offensive play in which a ball carrier running in one direction executes a handoff to a player running in the opposite direction.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To turn around to the opposite direction
The wind reversed the weather vane.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To exchange the positions of; transpose
Reversed the people on stage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To return; to come back.
If they attack, we will revert to the bunker.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(intransitive) To return to the possession of.
When a book goes out of print, rights revert from the publisher to the author.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To cause to adopt a contrary viewpoint
Reversed himself during the campaign.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
Of an estate: To return to its former owner, or to his or her heirs, when a grant comes to an end.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(transitive) To cause (a property or rights) to return to the previous owner.
Sometimes a publisher will automatically revert rights back to an author once a book has gone out of print.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(intransitive) To return to a former practice, condition, belief, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To direct that (a charge) apply to the person receiving instead of making a telephone call.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To return to an earlier or primitive type or state; to take on the traits or characters of an ancestral type.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
(intransitive) To change back, as from a soluble to an insoluble state or the reverse.
Phosphoric acid in certain fertilizers reverts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Opposite, contrary; going in the opposite direction.
We ate the meal in reverse order, starting with dessert and ending with the starter.
The mirror showed us a reverse view of the scene.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Pertaining to engines, vehicle movement etc. moving in a direction opposite to the usual direction.
He selected reverse gear.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To reply (to correspondence, for example).
Please revert before Monday.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To be in the non-default position; to be set for the lesser-used route.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To treat (a series, such as y = a + bx + cx2 + ..., where one variable y is expressed in powers of a second variable x), so as to find the second variable x expressed in a series arranged in powers of y.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To turn back, or to the contrary; to reverse.
Till happy chance revert the cruel scence.
The tumbling stream . . . Reverted, plays in undulating flow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(genetics) In which cDNA synthetization is obtained from an RNA template.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To return; to come back.
So that my arrowsWould have reverted to my bow again.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To return to the proprietor after the termination of a particular estate granted by him.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The opposite of something.
We believed the Chinese weren't ready for us. In fact, the reverse was true.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To return, wholly or in part, towards some preëxistent form; to take on the traits or characters of an ancestral type.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
To change back, as from a soluble to an insoluble state or the reverse; thus, phosphoric acid in certain fertilizers reverts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
One who, or that which, reverts.
An active promoter in making the East Saxons converts, or rather reverts, to the faith.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The tails side of a coin, or the side of a medal or badge that is opposite the obverse.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The side of something facing away from a viewer, or from what is considered the front; the other side.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
Resumption of Original Behavior
The patient reverted to their old habits post-recovery.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
A thrust in fencing made with a backward turn of the hand; a backhanded stroke.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
Genetic Return
The cultivated plant reverted to its wild form in the absence of human intervention.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
(surgery) A turn or fold made in bandaging, by which the direction of the bandage is changed.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Revert
Legal Restoration
The leased land will revert to the owner after the lease period ends.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
(transitive) To turn something around so that it faces the opposite direction or runs in the opposite sequence.
To reverse the order of books on a shelf
To reverse a portion of video footage
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(transitive) To change totally; to alter to the opposite.
All trends reverse eventually.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(legal) To revoke a law, or to change a decision into its opposite.
To reverse a judgment, sentence, or decree
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To cause a mechanism to operate or move in the opposite direction to normal; to drive a vehicle in the direction the driver has the back.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(chemistry) To change the direction of a reaction such that the products become the reactants and vice-versa.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Turned backward; having a contrary or opposite direction; hence; opposite or contrary in kind; as, the reverse order or method.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Turned upside down; greatly disturbed.
He found the sea diverseWith many a windy storm reverse.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
That which appears or is presented when anything, as a lance, a line, a course of conduct, etc., is reverted or turned contrary to its natural direction.
He did so with the reverse of the lance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
That which is directly opposite or contrary to something else; a contrary; an opposite.
And then mistook reverse of wrong for right.
To make everything the reverse of what they have seen, is quite as easy as to destroy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The act of reversing; complete change; reversal; hence, total change in circumstances or character; especially, a change from better to worse; misfortune; a check or defeat; as, the enemy met with a reverse.
The strange reverse of fate you see;I pitied you, now you may pity me.
By a reverse of fortune, Stephen becomes rich.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The back side; as, the reverse of a drum or trench; the reverse of a medal or coin, that is, the side opposite to the obverse. See Obverse.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
A thrust in fencing made with a backward turn of the hand; a backhanded stroke.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
A turn or fold made in bandaging, by which the direction of the bandage is changed.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To turn back; to cause to face in a contrary direction; to cause to depart.
And that old dame said many an idle verse,Out of her daughter's heart fond fancies to reverse.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To cause to return; to recall.
And to his fresh remembrance did reverseThe ugly view of his deformed crimes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To change totally; to alter to the opposite.
Reverse the doom of death.
She reversed the conduct of the celebrated vicar of Bray.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To turn upside down; to invert.
A pyramid reversed may stand upon his point if balanced by admirable skill.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Hence, to overthrow; to subvert.
These can divide, and these reverse, the state.
Custom . . . reverses even the distinctions of good and evil.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
To overthrow by a contrary decision; to make void; to under or annual for error; as, to reverse a judgment, sentence, or decree.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
A relation of direct opposition;
We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
An unfortunate happening that hinders of impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
The side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
(American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Change to the contrary;
The trend was reversed
The tides turned against him
Public opinion turned when it was revealed that the president had an affair with a White House intern
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Rule against;
The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Annul by recalling or rescinding;
He revoked the ban on smoking
Lift an embargo
Vacate a death sentence
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Directed or moving toward the rear;
A rearward glance
A rearward movement
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle;
In reverse gear
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reverse
Change to Opposite Direction
He decided to reverse his car out of the narrow alley.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
Opposite Decision or Action
The company chose to reverse its policy after public outcry.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
Inversion in Order
To solve the puzzle, reverse the order of the numbers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Reverse
Legal Decision Overturn
The higher court may reverse the lower court's ruling on appeal.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does it mean to revert something?
To revert something means to return it to its previous state or condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
How is reverse used in driving?
In driving, reverse refers to moving the vehicle backwards.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is revert used in technology?
Yes, revert is often used in technology to describe returning to a previous version of software or system.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
What does reverse mean in decision-making?
In decision-making, to reverse means to change to the opposite decision or course of action.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can revert imply regression?
Yes, revert can imply a regression or return to a former behavior or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can reverse be used in a physical context?
Yes, reverse can be used in a physical context, like reversing the position of an object.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is revert always voluntary?
Revert is not always voluntary; it can occur naturally or by external influence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
How do you reverse a decision?
To reverse a decision, one must actively choose and implement the opposite course of action.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
What does it mean to reverse a trend?
To reverse a trend means to change its direction to the opposite.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
What does reverse engineering involve?
Reverse engineering involves deconstructing an object or system to understand its design and operation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
How is reverse applied in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, reverse often means to overturn or change a previous judgment or decision.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can a person's behavior revert?
Yes, a person's behavior can revert to a previous state or pattern.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can revert mean going back in time?
Metaphorically, revert can imply going back to an earlier state, but not literally in time.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
What does reverse mean in sports?
In sports, reverse can refer to changing the direction of play or movement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
What is an example of revert in biology?
In biology, an organism can revert to a previous physical or genetic state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Does revert imply permanence?
Revert doesn't necessarily imply permanence; it can be temporary or permanent.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is reversing always intentional?
Reversing can be both intentional and unintentional, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can cultures or societies revert?
Cultures or societies can revert to previous norms, practices, or states under certain conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can reverse apply to feelings or opinions?
Yes, one can reverse their feelings or opinions, meaning they change to the opposite.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
What is a revert in software development?
In software development, a revert is returning the software to a previous version or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
