reverse

Where does the word "reverse" come from? It comes from Latin reversus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Reverse’s story begins in Latin: reversus meant “turned back.” Turned back, from re- (back) and vertere (to turn). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as revers. Carried into French for something turned the opposite way. It reached English by 1300s as reverse. Settled as the English word for the opposite direction or order. Today, reverse means opposite in direction, order, or effect; or to move backward.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient reversus "turned back", turned back, from re- (back) and vertere (to turn).
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval revers "turned the opposite way", carried into French for something turned the opposite way.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s reverse "the opposite direction or order", settled as the English word for the opposite direction or order.