inverse Definition
- 1opposite or contrary in position, direction, order, or effect
- 2a thing that is the opposite or reverse of something else
Using inverse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "inverse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The inverse relationship between price and demand.
Example
The inverse of a square matrix.
Example
The inverse of his argument is also true.
Example
The inverse function of f(x) = x^2 is f^-1(x) = √x.
inverse Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for inverse
Antonyms for inverse
Phrases with inverse
a relationship between two variables in which the product is a constant
Example
In an inverse proportion, when one variable increases, the other decreases.
a physical law stating that the intensity of an effect such as illumination or gravitational force changes in inverse proportion to the square of the distance from the source
Example
The inverse square law explains why distant stars appear fainter than nearby ones.
Example
The inverse function of f(x) = 2x is f^-1(x) = x/2.
Origins of inverse
from Latin 'inversus', past participle of 'invertere', meaning 'to turn upside down'
Summary: inverse in Brief
The term 'inverse' [ɪnˈvəːs] refers to something that is opposite or contrary in position, direction, order, or effect. It can be used as an adjective or a noun, and has synonyms like 'opposite' and 'reverse.' Examples include 'The inverse relationship between price and demand,' and 'The inverse of a square matrix.' 'Inverse' also appears in phrases like 'inverse proportion,' which describes a relationship between two variables, and 'inverse function,' which undoes the action of another function.