How to Pronounce Reverse

To pronounce "reverse", say REV-ers-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ɹɪˈvɜːs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

reverse

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ɹɪˈvɜːs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “reverse”

"reverse" has 3 syllables: rev-ers-e. It rhymes with terse and coerce, if that helps it stick.

What does reverse mean?

noun

The opposite of something.
“We believed the Chinese weren't ready for us. In fact, the reverse was true.”
The act of going backwards; a reversal.

verb

To turn something around so that it faces the opposite direction or runs in the opposite sequence.
“to reverse a portion of video footage”
To turn something inside out or upside down.

adjective

Opposite, contrary; going in the opposite direction.
“The mirror showed us a reverse view of the scene.”
Pertaining to engines, vehicle movement etc. moving in a direction opposite to the usual direction.
“He selected reverse gear.”

Antonyms

normalise normalize unreverse normal

Hear “reverse” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with reverse

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

terse coerce diverse inverse perverse adverse disperse curse verse immerse averse purse

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "reverse"?▾

"Reverse" has 3 syllables: rev · ers · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "reverse"?▾

The IPA transcription of "reverse" is /ɹɪˈvɜːs/.

What does "reverse" mean?▾

Reverse: The opposite of something.

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