Meaning
To invert means to turn something upside down or to reverse the position, order, or direction of something. It can refer to physical objects, processes, or abstract ideas like logic or relationships.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb
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Verb type: Transitive (takes an object) / Intransitive (sometimes used without an object)
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Common structure:
- invert + noun
- invert something to + form
Examples of structures:
- invert the colors
- invert the order of the list
- invert the triangle so that the base is on top
Common Phrases
- invert the order – to reverse the sequence.
- invert the colors – to swap light and dark areas (commonly used in digital editing).
- invert logic – to reverse reasoning or cause and effect.
- invert a fraction – to flip numerator and denominator.
Collocations
- invert + position/order/relationship
- invert + structure/logic/signal
- mathematically invert
- color-invert mode
Examples
- The teacher asked the students to invert the fraction to find its reciprocal.
- The artist inverted the colors of the photo for a dramatic effect.
- You need to invert the cup before stacking it.
- The scientist inverted the test tube to mix the chemicals.
- If you invert the order of the steps, the process won’t work.
- The company’s pyramid structure was inverted, giving more power to the workers.
- In logic, to invert a statement means to express the opposite condition.
- The camera app has an invert colors option for accessibility.
Synonyms or Related
- reverse
- flip
- upend
- transpose
- turn upside down
Antonym
- maintain
- keep
- preserve
- retain
- uphold