Meaning : Something inverted in sequence or character or effect.
Example :
When the direct approach failed he tried the inverse.
Synonyms : opposite
Meaning : Opposite in nature or effect or relation to another quantity.
Example :
A term is in inverse proportion to another term if it increases (or decreases) as the other decreases (or increases).
Similar in nature or effect or relation to another quantity.
A term is in direct proportion to another term if it increases (or decreases) as the other increases (or decreases).