versatile

[vur-suh-tl, -tahyl]

adjective

1. capable of or adapted for turning easily from one to another of various tasks, fields of endeavor, etc..

   It takes a truly versatile writer to manage two genres so well.

   Synonyms: all-around, adaptable

2. having or capable of many uses.

   A pocket knife is a versatile tool.

   Synonyms: handy, all-around, adaptable

3. Botany.,  attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely, as an anther.

4. Zoology.,  turning either forward or backward.

   a versatile toe.

5. variable or changeable, as in feeling, purpose, or policy.

   His versatile moods made him a challenge to work with.

6. Slang.,  vers.

versatile

/ ˌvɜːsəˈtɪlɪtɪ, ˈvɜːsəˌtaɪl /

adjective

1. capable of or adapted for many different uses, skills, etc

2. variable or changeable

3. botany (of an anther) attached to the filament by a small area so that it moves freely in the wind

4. zoology able to turn forwards and backwards

   versatile antennae

Other Word Forms

• versatilely adverb
• versatility noun
• versatileness noun
• unversatile adjective
• unversatilely adverb
• unversatileness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of versatile¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin versātilis “revolving, many-sided,” from versāt(us) “turned repeatedly” (past participle of versāre “to turn repeatedly,” from vertere “to turn”; verse ) + -ilis -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of versatile¹

C17: from Latin versātilis moving around, from versāre to turn

Example Sentences

But this, dear friends, is The Big One: the quickest, most powerful, most versatile, most luxurious car in the 911 lineup.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Very versatile, super fun guy to play with."

Read more on Barron's

Replacing muscle and skin with motors and sensors is a critical step in making humanoids a versatile source of labor, potentially unlocking a global market that Morgan Stanley estimates could reach $5 trillion by 2050.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tottenham have become a more versatile side under Thomas Frank, able to set up to suit the opposition, but I don't feel as if they are ever clinical enough in the final third.

Read more on BBC

Kansas City’s receivers have stabilized, with Rashee Rice emerging as a clear No. 1, and Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy proving versatile second options.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplished 
• adaptable 
• all-around 
• functional 
• gifted 
• resourceful 
• skilled 
• skillful 
• talented