versatile

[ vur-suh-tlor, especially British, -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 ( def ).

versatile

/ ˈvɜːsəˌtaɪl; ˌvɜːsəˈtɪlɪtɪ /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈversaˌtilely, adverb
• versatility, noun

Other Words From

• ver·sa·tile·ly adverb
• ver·sa·til·i·ty [vur-s, uh, -, til, -i-tee], ver·sa·tile·ness [vur, -s, uh, -tl-nis] noun
• un·ver·sa·tile adjective
• un·ver·sa·tile·ly adverb
• un·ver·sa·tile·ness 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

It’s still heavy and, at almost $3,800 it is definitely not cheap, but it’s a lot more portable, versatile, and less expensive than a flats boat.

From Popular-Science

Easily link the light strands from end-to-end for a more versatile design.

From Popular-Science

It can be used to understand real-world customer behavior, purchase intent, brand affinity and as a versatile targeting tool for online and mobile campaigns.

From Search Engine Land

Even head coach Nicki Collen said she thought of Laney as more of a substitute energy source, primarily wanting the versatile 6-footer as a defensive option off the bench.

From FiveThirtyEight

Off the bench, the Sun have four more newcomers, including 3-point shooter Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, and head coach Curt Miller believes his backups are more versatile and athletic than in previous seasons.

From FiveThirtyEight

Since Westlake was as prolific as he was versatile, this all took a while.

From The Daily Beast

Ever the versatile bigot, Ransdell hates gays, African Americans, and immigrants, in addition to Jewish people.

From The Daily Beast

Served in lieu of morning pancakes or bread at supper, ployes are nothing if not versatile.

From The Daily Beast

Regular viewers of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon know that The Roots are one of the most versatile bands working today.

From The Daily Beast

The former stand-up comedian has evolved into one of the most versatile entertainers in showbiz.

From The Daily Beast

So did my versatile friend, joyously confident in his powers, start on his glorious career as a private detective.

From Project Gutenberg

How defiant and versatile were the expletives of the old French nobility, we may learn from the pages of Brantôme.

From Project Gutenberg

The trailer was unhooked and carefully backed in through a passage laid out by the versatile Fisheye.

From Project Gutenberg

In the years past, a versatile routing agent could and did avoid many minor financial losses by routing the show to other fields.

From Project Gutenberg

Hannah too is versatile; and leaps from adoration to envy with wonderful facility.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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