Difference Wiki

Reverse vs. Revert: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 9, 2023
Reverse means to change something to its opposite direction or state, while revert means to return to a previous condition or practice.

Key Differences

Reverse often implies a complete turnaround, like reversing the direction of a car or reversing a decision. It suggests a movement or change to the opposite of the current state.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Revert, in contrast, signifies going back to a previous state or condition. It's about returning to something that was, like reverting to old habits or a previous version of a software.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
When you reverse something, you're typically changing its direction, position, or order. It's like reversing the flow of a river or reversing the sequence of numbers.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
Reverting, however, implies a regression or return. When a system reverts to its default settings, it's returning to its original configuration, not just changing it.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
In essence, reverse is about opposites and change, while revert is about going back to an earlier state. One speaks of change, the other of return.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Change to opposite direction/state
Return to a previous condition
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Implication

Turnaround, change
Regression, going back
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Usage Context

Direction, decisions, order
Habits, practices, configurations
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Nature

Often a new state
Often an original or prior state
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Examples

"Reverse the car"
"Revert to factory settings"
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
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Reverse and Revert Definitions

Reverse

Change to opposite.
Reverse the direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023

Revert

Return to previous state.
Revert to default settings.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023

Reverse

Undo or negate.
Reverse a decision.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023

Revert

Return to a prior version.
Revert to an earlier draft.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023

Reverse

Change order.
Reverse the sequence.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
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Revert

Resume original condition.
Revert to factory settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023

Reverse

Opposite side.
The reverse of the coin.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023

Revert

Go back to old ways.
Revert to old habits.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023

Reverse

Turn around.
Reverse the car.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023

Revert

Relapse into previous behavior.
Revert to old patterns.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023

Reverse

Turned backward in position, direction, or order
The reverse side of the poster.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 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.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023

Reverse

Moving, acting, or organized in a manner contrary to the usual
In reverse order.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023

Revert

To resume using something that has been disused
Had to revert to the typewriter when the computer failed.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023

Revert

(Law) To be returned to the former owner or to the former owner's heirs. Used of money or property.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 10, 2023

FAQs

Is "reverse" used in technology?

Yes, like reversing an algorithm.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023

Can "reverse" mean to cancel?

Yes, like reversing a decision.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Does "reverse" imply movement?

Often, like reversing a car.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Can "revert" happen in nature?

Yes, like reverting to wild form.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Can "reverse" apply to trends?

Yes, like a reverse in fashion.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Is "revert" always voluntary?

Not always; it can be automatic.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023

Do "revert" and "regress" overlap?

Sometimes, in meaning return.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Does "revert" imply nostalgia?

Sometimes, in returning to past.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023

Can "reverse" mean opposite side?

Yes, like the reverse of a coin.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Is "reverse" used in engineering?

Yes, like reversing a mechanism.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Is "revert" used in computing?

Yes, like reverting to a backup.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Does "reverse" apply to health?

Yes, like reversing symptoms.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Does "revert" imply failure?

Not necessarily, context matters.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023

Is "reverse" used in games?

Yes, like reversing a play.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 09, 2023

Can "revert" be used in law?

Yes, like reverting rights.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Is "revert" used in biology?

Yes, like reverting to a phenotype.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Can "reverse" be a noun?

Yes, as in the reverse side.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023

Can "revert" indicate improvement?

Rarely; it's usually about return.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023

Can "revert" mean to decline?

It can imply a regression.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023

Does "reverse" imply a full 180° turn?

Often, but not exclusively.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

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