obverse — ODE

obverse /ˈɒbvəːs

▸ noun [usually in singular]

1 the side of a coin or medal bearing the head or principal design.

▪ the design or inscription on the principal side of a coin.

2 the opposite or counterpart of a fact or truth:

true solitude is the obverse of true society.

▸ adjective [attributive]

1 of or denoting the obverse of a coin or medal.

2 corresponding to something else as its opposite or counterpart:

the obverse fates of the principals.

3 Biology narrower at the base or point of attachment than at the apex or top:

an obverse leaf.

– DERIVATIVES

obversely /ˈɒbvəːsli

/ adverb

– ORIGIN mid 17th century (in the sense ‘turned towards the observer’): from Latin obversus, past participle of obvertere ‘turn towards’ (see obvert).