obverse

[ noun ob-vurs; adjective ob-vurs, ob-vurs ]

noun

1. the side of a coin, medal, flag, etc., that bears the principal design ( reverse ).
2. the front or principal surface of anything.
3. a counterpart.
4. Logic. a proposition obtained from another by obversion.

adjective

1. facing the observer.
2. corresponding to something else as a counterpart.
3. having the base narrower than the top, as a leaf.

obverse

/ ˈɒbvɜːs /

adjective

1. facing or turned towards the observer
2. forming or serving as a counterpart
3. (of certain plant leaves) narrower at the base than at the top

noun

1. a counterpart or complement
2. the side of a coin that bears the main design or device Compare reverse
3. logic a categorial proposition derived from another by replacing the original predicate by its negation and changing the proposition from affirmative to negative or vice versa, as no sum is correct from every sum is incorrect

Derived Forms

• obˈversely, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of obverse¹

1650–60; < Latin obversus turned toward or against (past participle of obvertere ), equivalent to ob- ob- + vert ( ere ) to turn + -tus past participle suffix, with tt > s

Word History and Origins

Origin of obverse¹

C17: from Latin obversus turned towards, past participle of obvertere, from ob- to + vertere to turn

Example Sentences

A Commonwealth observer group was also in the country to obverse the coming elections, seen as a "significant step in the country's democratic governance", they added.

From BBC

The coin also features an image of the late Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse side, and a UH-1H helicopter on the reverse.

From BBC

They have local chapters in every state and work to build leaders and highlight candidates’ stands on gun legislation in elections — the obverse of the National Rifle Association’s grades for gun-friendly candidates.

From Washington Post

He is a week or so shy of 77 and when viewed in profile, he looks like the portrait they’d use if they put Neil Young’s face on the obverse of the loonie.

From Los Angeles Times

The obverse of art for Dyer is tennis.

From Los Angeles Times