obverse

²ob·verse

noun \ˈäb-ˌvərs, äb-ˈ, əb-ˈ\

Definition of OBVERSE

1

: the side of a coin or currency note bearing the chief device and lettering; broadly : a front or principal surface

2

: a counterpart having the opposite orientation or force <their rise was merely the obverse of the Empire's fall — A. J. Toynbee>; also : opposite 1 <joy and its obverse, sorrow>

3

: a proposition inferred immediately from another by denying the opposite of what the given proposition affirms <the obverse of “all A is B” is “no A is not B” >

Examples of OBVERSE

1. joy and its obverse, sadness
2. We thought they would be pleased with our decision. We have learned, however, that the obverse is true.

First Known Use of OBVERSE

1658

Related to OBVERSE

Synonyms: antipode, antithesis, contrary, counter, negative, opposite, reverse

Related Words: negation; antonym; counterpoint; converse, inverse, mirror image

Near Antonyms: synonym; analogue (or analog), counterpart; carbon copy, copy, duplicate, replica

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Other Monetary Terms

clad, legend, numismatic, reverse, scrip, series, specie