1)

To go in the opposite position, direction, order, sequence, timing, etc... - as in movement.

2)

Completely contrary or opposing - as in definition, strategy, idea, concept, theory, principle, or environmental object.

Inflected Form(s):

Reverses (plural), Reversed (past tense), Reversal (pronoun, noun)

Comments:

The terms reverse and opposite are generally very similar and can be, and often are, used interchangeably - but differ in subtle ways, depending upon the context in which each is used. As implied in the definitions, these terms, like a lot of terms, have both a physical and mental aspect to them.

In regards to physical motion - opposite and reverse at times can be used interchangeably as long as the physical motion stays on the same line, plane, or circle. Once deviation from a common line, plane, or circle occurs, opposite may still hold true, but reverse is no longer applicable. See Reverse Motion and Return Motion for the best example of this concept.

In regards to conceptual matters - one typically refers to opposing concepts or positions as opposites not reverses. For example, one would say the left is the opposite of the right, but not the reverse. Also, one typically refers to the antonym of a definition as the opposite, not the reverse.

Therefore, reverse is typically limited to physical motion and physical motion on the same line, plane, or circle, but opposite can be used in regard to both physical and conceptual matters and is slightly more generic - but they cannot always be used interchangeably.

It is not always incorrect to refer to opposing concepts or positions as a reverse. It is just more common to refer to them as the opposite.

1)

The most common ways to think about reverse motion is:

a.Playing a video tape or movie backward.

b.The same motion going in the opposite direction on the same line, plane, or circle.

2)

Good traits to develop for analysis are:

a.always try to look at anything from at least the contrary perspective

b.keep in mind that often there is more than two perspectives

c.try to seek out new perspectives

d.try to view the situation from an uninitiated or uninformed perspective

This term is commonly used interchangeably with back and rear.

From a purly physical point of view, reverse can be thought of as the back (or rear) side of anything.

Example(s):

1)

The reverse of a Straight Punch is a Back Elbow strike, delivered on the same plane.

2)

The reverse of knowledge is ignorance.

Synonym(s):

1)

Opposite

2)

Antonym, Back, Contrary, Opposite, Rear

Opposite(s):

Identical, Same

Related Definition(s):

1)

Bounce, Cock, Ricochet, Switch

2)

Motion

Related Term(s):

1)

Angle of Retraction, Opposite Motion, Point of View, Return Motion, Reverse Motion

2)

Point of View