inverse

1 of 2

adjective

in·​verse (ˌ)in-ˈvərs How to pronounce inverse (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As Investopedia explains, bonds have an inverse relationship to interest rates. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025 The inverse relationship between global growth and the benefit to the Indian economy appears to be another arrow in India’s quiver. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
But a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be the inverse – from a continent to an island. Colin Flint, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025 La Niña, the inverse of El Niño, is the colder phase of ENSO. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inverse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inverse was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inverse. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inverse

1 of 2 adjective
in·​verse (ˈ)in-ˈvərs How to pronounce inverse (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inverse

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