inverse

1 of 2

adjective

in·​verse (ˌ)in-ˈvərs 

ˈin-ˌvərs

1

: opposite in order, nature, or effect

2

: being an inverse function

inverse sine

inverse

2 of 2

noun

1

: something of a contrary nature or quality : opposite, reverse

2

: a proposition or theorem formed by contradicting both the subject and predicate or both the hypothesis and conclusion of a given proposition or theorem

the inverse of "if A then B" is "if not-A then not-B"

compare contrapositive

3

a

: inverse function

also : an operation (such as subtraction) that undoes the effect of another operation

b

: a set element that is related to another element in such a way that the result of applying a given binary operation to them is an identity element of the set

Examples of inverse in a Sentence

Adjective

Addition and subtraction are inverse operations.

Noun

the inverse of your argument

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The idea may feel counterintuitive to some investors, since bond yields and prices have an inverse relationship. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025

Two of the more common types are inverse and plaque psoriasis.1 Inverse psoriasis is a rash that develops between body folds or places where the skin rubs against itself, including the genitals, underarms, and under the breasts. —Heidi Cope, Health, 29 Dec. 2024

Noun

The interior is the inverse of the exterior and is upholstered in dark Anthracite leather, broken up by glossy wood inserts on the dashboard, center console, and door inserts. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Jan. 2025

Doing the right thing for the wrong reason is complex ethical territory that hasn’t been explored in media nearly as much as its inverse. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, turned upside down, from Latin inversus, from past participle of invertere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing inverse

• additive inverse
• inverse function
• inverse square law
• inverse variation
• multiplicative inverse

Kids Definition

inverse

1 of 2 adjective

in·​verse (ˈ)in-ˈvərs 

ˈin-vərs

1

: opposite in order, nature, or effect

an inverse relationship between interest rates and houses sold

2

: being a mathematical operation opposite in effect to another

addition and subtraction are inverse operations

inverse

2 of 2 noun

in·​verse

ˈin-ˌvərs,

(ˈ)in-ˈvərs

: something inverse or resulting in or from inversion