obverse Hear it!

obverse Definition

ob·verse (äb vʉrs, əb-; also, and for n. always, äbvʉrs′)

adjective

  1. turned toward the observer
  2. narrower at the base than at the top an obverse leaf
  3. forming a counterpart

Etymology: L obversus, pp. of obvertere, to turn toward < ob- (see ob-) + vertere, to turn: see verse

noun

  1. the side, as of a coin or medal, bearing the main design and the date
  2. the front or main surface of anything
  3. a counterpart
  4. Logic the negative counterpart of an affirmative proposition, or the affirmative counterpart of a negative “no one is infallible” is the obverse of “everyone is fallible”

obverse Related Forms

ob·versely adverb

obverse Synonyms

obverse

n.

face, opposite side, main surface; see front 1.

obverse Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: Al the issues would have the common obverse of a picture of Victory.
  • call: We always wonder whether people who call the obverse the front side also call the reverse the back side!
  • change: In 1985 and 1998 the obverse changed in line with the remainder of the decimal coinage.

Adjective modifier

  • different: George IV has two different obverses and three different reverses, with no overlap for a single date.
  • same: The 3 Designs All three designs share the same common obverse, but the reverse designs differ.

Modifies a noun

  • legend: The two varieties are different in the positioning of the obverse legend around the name in center.
  • side: Turning the stone over, the obverse side showed a delicate trace of leaves; shiny black against the gray shale.
  • design: The First Design The obverse design showed the King seated facing on a throne, a very majestic image.
  • die: The balance of the issue was produced with the original correct obverse die.
  • portrait: In 1998 a further new obverse portrait was introduced, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.
  • inscription: In 1939, the obverse inscription was changed from " Saorstát Éireann " to " Éire " on all the coins.

Noun used with modifier

portrait: Obverse - Fourth Portrait All 2003 coins carried the fourth portrait obverse design by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Possessives

medal: The medal's obverse ( side worn outwards ) consists of the crowned profile of Queen Elizabeth II.

Preposition: of

  • coin: Then there is the obverse of this coin, taxation.
  • medal: The obverse of the medal bears the crowned effigy of The Queen.
  • medallion: Obverse of a tin medallion bearing the image of a typical Cornish engine house.

Browse dictionary entries near obverse

  1. obtusely
  2. obtuse
  3. obturate
  4. obtund
  5. obtrusively
  6. obtrusive
  7. obtrude
  8. obtest
  9. obtect
  10. obtainable
  1. obversion
  2. obvert
  3. obviate
  4. obvious
  5. obviously
  6. obvolute
  7. Obwalden
  8. Oc
  9. oc-
  10. ocarina