in·verse
(ˌ)in-ˈvərs 
ˈin-ˌvərs
1
: opposite in order, nature, or effect
2
: being an inverse function
inverse sine
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
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
When bond prices go down, bond yields go up due to their inverse relationship.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Eli Hager, ProPublica, 9 Nov. 2024
The interior is the inverse, with black the dominant tone.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inverse 
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Adjective
The scans also showed an inverse relationship between the brain regions that enable people to plan, solve problems, and prioritize information–-called executive control domains–and the regions of the brain with more specific functions.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
When bond prices go down, bond yields go up due to their inverse relationship.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
In Kentucky, a ballot initiative that would have allowed public money to go toward private schooling was defeated roughly 65% to 35% — the same margin as in Arizona in 2018 and the inverse of the margin by which Trump won Kentucky.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 9 Nov. 2024
The interior is the inverse, with black the dominant tone.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inverse
Dictionary Entries Near inverse
Cite this Entry
“Inverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inverse. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inverse
1 of 2 adjective
in·verse
(ˈ)in-ˈvərs
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
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