the suffix -vert

Meanings

1. 1suffixtechnical

   A word ending meaning 'turn' or 'change direction', used in verbs and related nouns.

   Grammar: Attaches to a root to form verbs: convert, revert, divert.

   Patterns

   • convert something
   • revert to something
   • divert something

   The suffix -vert appears in words such as convert and revert.

   If you know that -vert means 'turn', you can guess the meaning of invert.

   The noun conversion also comes from this same turning idea.

2. 2suffixbiologytechnical

   In biology, a word ending used for animals that turn or rotate a body part.

   Grammar: Used mainly in scientific names and technical descriptions.

   The term invertebrate describes an animal without a backbone, but it contains the same -vert root.

   Some scientific names use -vert for creatures that turn or twist.

Common combinations

convert (something) into

They converted the old factory into apartments.

revert to

After the update, the settings reverted to their defaults.

divert attention

The loud noise diverted everyone's attention from the speaker.

invert a image

You can invert the image colors with this button.

Word family

convert verb

To change something into a different form or use.

revert verb

To return to an earlier state or condition.

divert verb

To change the direction or purpose of something.

invert verb

To turn something upside down or reverse its position.

Commonly confused: the suffix -vert or -verse?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “the suffix -vert”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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