Definition of revert to

The origin of the phrase "revert to" can be traced back to the Middle English period, specifically the 14th century. The term "revert" stems from the Old French "revertir," meaning "to return" or "go back," and it entered the English language through Middle English around 1300. The preposition "to" serves the purpose of specifying the action the subject of the sentence is taking. In this case, "revert" implies a return or an restoration to a previous state or condition. The verb "revert" evolved in its meaning in the Middle English period as well. In the 1400s, it was commonly used to refer to land that had been transferred to someone and then reverted back to its original owner due to certain conditions not being met. This transferred meaning eventually took on a broader sense that referred to a general returning or restoration, such as "the machine reverted to its original settings" or "the painting reverted to its original color." In summary, "revert to" in its current form, came into being during the Middle English period as a result of the derivation of the verb "revert" from the Old French "revertir" and the use of "to" as a preposition to specify the action being taken.