First Known Use: 1605
Dictionary
versatile
adjective ver·sa·tile \ˈvər-sə-təl, especially British -ˌtī(-ə)l\
: able to do many different things
: having many different uses
Full Definition of VERSATILE
1
: changing or fluctuating readily : variable <a versatile disposition>
2
: embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also : turning with ease from one thing to another
3
a (1) : capable of turning forward or backward : reversible <a versatile toe of a bird> (2) : capable of moving laterally and up and down <versatile antennae> b of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely
4
: having many uses or applications <versatile building material>
— ver·sa·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
— ver·sa·tile·ness \-təl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun
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Examples of VERSATILE
- Horses stand apart because of their versatile roles in human society, which came to include dairy production, transportation, haulage, plowing, sports, warfare, religion, and status. —Sandra L. Olsen, Natural History, May 2008
- Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile. —Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008
- Adobos are the Philippines' most beloved, and most versatile, dishes. They consist of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables (such as okra and eggplant) slow-cooked in an aromatic broth of vinegar or coconut milk, garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, and, sometimes, soy sauce until virtually all the liquid has evaporated. —Amy Besa, Saveur, December 2008
- This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to three scientists for their work on a versatile strategy for synthesizing all manner of novel chemical compounds in an environmentally friendly way. … The three scientists focused on a reaction called metathesis … —A. Cunningham, Science News, 15 Oct. 2005
- Within weeks [Gerd] Binnig, then 38 and with an infant daughter, worked with a colleague to build a prototype for what has become one of the most versatile scientific tools ever created: the atomic force microscope, or AFM. —Ivan Amato, Fortune, 14 June 2004
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Origin of VERSATILE
French or Latin; French, from Latin versatilis turning easily, from versare to turn, frequentative of vertere
Related to VERSATILE
- Synonyms
- adaptable, all-around (also all-round), protean, universal
Rhymes with VERSATILE
VERSATILE Defined for Kids
versatile
adjective ver·sa·tile \ˈvər-sə-təl\
Definition of VERSATILE for Kids
1
: able to do many different kinds of things
2
: having many uses <a versatile tool>
Word Root of VERSATILE
The Latin word vertere, meaning “to turn” or “to change,” and its form versus give us the roots vert and vers. Words from the Latin vertere have something to do with turning or changing. Anything versatile, or able to do or be used for many different things, can change its task easily. A vertebra is a bone in the spine that allows an animal to turn its head or body. To avert is to turn away. To divert is to turn aside onto a new path. To revert is to turn back to a former way of being.
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