The English language can be tricky, especially when it comes to spelling. The word "reversion" is a perfect example. It is pronounced as /rɪˈvɜːʃən/; the symbol /r/ represents the initial "r" sound, followed by the short vowel /ɪ/ and the consonant cluster /vˈɜːʃ/, which is pronounced as "ver-sh." The final sound is /ən/, the schwa sound, which is very common in English. Despite its complexity, "reversion" is often used in legal, scientific, and technical contexts to refer to a return to a previous state or condition.
Reversion refers to the act or process of returning or reverting to a previous state, condition, or form. It is often associated with reversions in biological organisms, where it signifies a return to an earlier characteristic or trait that had been lost or altered due to genetic variation or environmental influences.
In a more general sense, reversion can also describe a regression or backward movement in terms of progress, development, or societal norms. It implies a retreat or going back to a previous condition or mode of operation. For example, in historical contexts, reversion can refer to a restoration or reinstatement of a previous political system, ruling party, or monarch, with the intention to return a society to its former state or traditions.
In the field of law, reversion signifies the return of a property or estate to its original owner or their heirs after a specific condition, term, or interest has expired or been terminated. This could occur, for instance, when a lease on a property ends and ownership is automatically transferred back to the owner. Reversion is often associated with the concept of future interest in property rights.
Overall, reversion carries the connotation of going back or returning to a previous state or condition, whether it pertains to biological traits, societal changes, or legal ownership. It implies a backward movement or restoration rather than progress or forward advancement.
The cropping out in an individual of certain characters peculiar to a remote ancestor, which characters have been in abeyance during one or more of the intermediate generations.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A returning; right to future possession or enjoyment, as an estate or annuity after the death of a person has to any inheritance or place of profit after the decease of another.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "reversion" originates from the Latin term "reversio", which is derived from the verb "revertere". "Revertere" consists of the prefix "re-" meaning back or again, and "vertere" which means to turn. Therefore, "reversion" essentially means to turn back or to return.