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nounnoun

le revirement

turnaround

C'est un changement brusque et complet de direction, d'opinion ou de décision.

Definition & meaning

The word revirement refers to a sudden and complete change in direction, opinion, policy, or situation. It is equivalent to the English terms "turnaround," "reversal," or "U-turn." It implies a shift from one state to its opposite.

There are two primary contexts in which this word is used:

  1. General or Political context: It describes a sudden change in attitude or decision by an individual or a group. For example, a politician might undergo a revirement regarding a specific law they previously supported.
  2. Legal context (Revirement de jurisprudence): This is a technical term used when a court (usually a high court) decides to abandon its previous legal interpretation or precedent in favor of a new one.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • It is a masculine noun (un revirement).
  • The plural form is revirements.

Word origin: The word is derived from the verb revirer, which is composed of the prefix re- (indicating return or repetition) and the verb virer (to turn, veer, or transfer). The suffix -ment is used to transform the verb into a noun representing the action or the result of that action. Its roots trace back to the nautical world, where revirer meant to change a ship's tack or direction.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • changement: a general word for change.
  • retournement: a physical or metaphorical turning around.
  • volte-face: a sudden and complete reversal of opinion or military front.
  • basculement: a tipping point or a shift in balance.
  • conversion: often used when the change involves a belief or a deep-seated opinion.

Antonyms:

  • maintien: the act of maintaining or keeping something as it is.
  • stabilité: the state of being stable or unchanged.
  • permanence: the quality of lasting or remaining unchanged.
  • constance: consistency or steadfastness in behavior or opinion.

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Examples

Sa décision a été prise suite à un revirement inattendu de la situation politique.noun

His decision was made following an unexpected turnaround in the political situation.

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