What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atavism
Example
The child's red hair was an atavism, as both parents had brown hair. [atavism: noun]
Example
The scientist studied the atavistic features in the ancient species. [atavistic: adjective]
reversion
Example
After the treatment, the patient experienced a reversion to their previous symptoms. [reversion: noun]
Example
The company decided to revert to their old logo after receiving negative feedback. [revert: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reversion is more commonly used than atavism in everyday language. Reversion is a versatile term that can be easily understood, while atavism is less commonly used and may be more specialized to specific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atavism and reversion?
Both atavism and reversion can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, reversion is more versatile and widely understood, making it suitable for various formality levels.
