When there is an inversion of something, it is changed into its opposite.
[formal]
...a scandalous inversion of the truth. [+ of]
...a strange inversion of priorities.
Synonyms: reversal, opposite, antithesis, transposition More Synonyms of inversion
inversion in British English
(ɪnˈvɜːʃən)
noun
1.
the act of inverting or state of being inverted
2.
something inverted, esp a reversal of order, mutual functions, etc
an inversion of their previous relationship
3. Also called: anastrophe rhetoric
the reversal of a normal order of words
4. chemistry
a.
the conversion of a dextrorotatory solution of sucrose into a laevorotatory solution of glucose and fructose by hydrolysis
b.
any similar reaction in which the optical properties of the reactants are opposite to those of the products
5. music
a.
the process or result of transposing the notes of a chord (esp a triad) such that the root, originally in the bass, is placed in an upper part. When the bass note is the third of the triad, the resulting chord is the first inversion; when it is the fifth, the resulting chord is the second inversion
See also root position
b.
(in counterpoint) the modification of a melody or part in which all ascending intervals are replaced by corresponding descending intervals and vice versa
c.
the modification of an interval in which the higher note becomes the lower or the lower one the higher
complement (sense 8)
6. pathology
abnormal positioning of an organ or part, as in being upside down or turned inside out
7. psychiatry
a.
the adoption of the role or characteristics of the opposite sex
b. an old-fashioned word for homosexuality
8. meteorology
an abnormal condition in which the layer of air next to the earth's surface is cooler than an overlying layer
9. anatomy, phonetics another word for retroflexion (sense 2)
10. computing
an operation by which each digit of a binary number is changed to the alternative digit, as 10110 to 01001
11. genetics
a type of chromosomal mutation in which a section of a chromosome, and hence the order of its genes, is reversed
12. logic
the process of deriving the inverse of a categorial proposition
13. mathematics
a transformation that takes a point P to a point P′ such that OP·OP′ = a2, where a is a constant and P and P′ lie on a straight line through a fixed point O and on the same side of it
Derived forms
inversive (inˈversive)
adjective
inversion in American English
(ɪnˈvɜrʒən; ɪnˈvɜrʃən)
noun
1.
an inverting or being inverted
2.
something inverted; reversal
3. Chemistry
a.
a chemical change in which an optically active substance is converted into another substance having no effect, or the opposite rotatory effects, on theplane of polarization
b.
the conversion of an isomeric compound to its opposite
4. Grammar and Rhetoric
a reversal of the normal order of words in a sentence (Ex.: “said he” for “he said”)
5. Ancient Mathematics
a.
the process of using an opposite rule or method
b.
an interchange of the terms of a ratio
6. Meteorology
an atmospheric condition in which the normal properties of layers of air are reversed;esp., a temperature reversal in which a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface of the earth, preventing the normal rising of surface air
7. Music
a.
the reversal of the position of the tones in an interval or chord, as by raising the lower tone by an octave, etc.
b.
the recurrence of a theme, fugue subject, motive, or figure in identical intervals and note values, but consistently in the opposite direction
8. Phonetics
a position of the tongue in which the tip is turned upward and backward
9. Psychiatry
homosexuality
now seldom used
Derived forms
inversive (inˈversive)
adjective
Word origin
L inversio < inversus, pp. of invertere
Examples of 'inversion' in a sentence
inversion
It's a consequence of his inversion, I think, the ease with which he conceals himself.
Clive Barker EVERVILLE (2001)
The panic I felt was the risk of fact obliteration, or an inversion of truths, all the truths I had known.
Conybeare, Stephanie A DEATH IN THE FAMILY (2001)
Look, the theory is that it was a Great Spell which produced the magical inversion that caused the contamination.
Amanda Hemingway THE GREENSTONE GRAIL: THE SANGREAL TRILOGY ONE (2001)
Word lists with
inversion
figure of speech
(noun)
Definition
something inverted, esp. a reversal of order, functions, etc.
a strange inversion of priorities
Synonyms
reversal
a strange role reversal
opposite
She's very shy, but her sister is quite the opposite.
antithesis
the antithesis between instinct and reason
transposition
contrary
Let me assure you that the contrary is, in fact, the case.
contrariety
contraposition
transposal
antipode
Additional synonyms
in the sense of antithesis
Definition
the placing together of contrasting ideas or words to produce an effect of balance, such as where gods command, mere mortals must obey
the antithesis between instinct and reason
Synonyms
contrast,
opposition,
contradiction,
reversal,
inversion,
contrariety,
contraposition
in the sense of contrary
Let me assure you that the contrary is, in fact, the case.
Synonyms
opposite,
reverse,
converse,
antithesis
in the sense of opposite
Definition
a person or thing that is opposite
She's very shy, but her sister is quite the opposite.