Reversion vs. revision

[US English speaker John]

Common Errors in English, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #12 "Latin Words", question 3

This is a complete reversal of the terms as they were originally laid out in the last will and testament.

(a) reversal
(b) terms
(c) laid out
(d) will

Common Errors in English, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #12 "Latin Words", answer 3

This is a complete reversion of the terms as they were originally laid out in the last will and testament.

Correct entry: reversion
The error was: (a) reversal

You have not found the error.
This is a complete reversal of the terms as they were originally laid out in the last will and testament.
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'Reversion' indicates a 'return to a previous condition'. 'This is a complete reversion of the terms as they were originally laid out in the last will and testament.' is an oxymoron.

The sentence is meaningful as it stands; 'reversal of the terms' is possible.

Perhaps you confuse 'reversion' and 'revision'?

To recap, 'revision' and 'reversal' both are meaningful in the sentence. 'Reversion' does not.



American English speaker

[Alan]

Hi American English speaker,

Reversion indicates the returning of property to its previous owner at the end of a period during which it was the temporary possession of somebody else.

Confusion between revision and reversion?

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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