How to Say “Reverse” in Latin

By Heather Ellen • Updated October 6, 2026

retrōgredī

To reverse, in the sense of moving backwards, Latin says retrōgredī, "to go backwards".

retrōgredī is used for anyone or anything moving back. With a cart or a vehicle you can also say retrō agere, "to drive back".

Meaning: to cause a mechanism or vehicle to operate or move in the opposite directions (verb)

Which one should you use?

invertere means "to turn upside down" or "to invert", not to move backwards.

How do you pronounce it?

reh-troh-GREH-dee

Did you know?

English "retrograde" comes from Latin retrōgradus, "going backwards", and astronomers still use it for planets that seem to move backwards in the sky.

Examples in context

reverso cursu
With a reversed course
Currus retrōgreditur.
The cart is reversing.
Plaustrum retrō ēgit.
He reversed the wagon.

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About The Author

Heather Ellen

Salve! I'm Heather, with an unquenchable passion for words and their origins. When I'm not knee-deep in ancient texts, I love exploring nature and discovering new species of flora (or "floræ," as I'd say in Latin) to name in the tongue of the ancients. In my guides, you'll find both formal and informal translations, infused with historical context and usage tips. In Verbis Virtus - there's power in words!

Heather EllenHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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