inverted
UK: ɪnˈvɜːtɪd | US: ɪnˈvɜːrtɪd
adj. turned upside down or inside out
adj. reversed in order, direction, or effect
vt. (past tense of invert) to turn something upside down or reverse its position/order
inverted = in<into, reverse> + vert<turn> + ed<past participle suffix>
- in: Latin prefix meaning "into" or "not," here implying reversal.
- vert: From Latin vertere ("to turn"), retained in English as a root (e.g., convert, revert).
- ed: Suffix marking past tense or participle form.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin invertere ("to turn upside down"), combining in- (reversal) + vertere ("to turn"). It entered Middle English via Old French invertir, initially describing physical reversal (e.g., flipping objects) and later abstract reversals (e.g., order, logic). The root vert appears in many English words related to turning or changing direction, reflecting its Latin legacy.
The inverted pyramid style is common in journalism.
She inverted the glass to drain the water.
His inverted logic confused everyone.
The image appeared inverted through the lens.
They inverted the traditional hierarchy to empower junior staff.