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

• versatility noun
• versatilely adverb
• 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

This round, chicken breasts and chicken sausage became my anchors: affordable, versatile, and easy to batch.

From Salon

Babcock is selling the Type 31 as a versatile ship to work across different fleets.

From BBC

“He’s also versatile across range-of-motion, tissue and joint, strength, power and movement traits. So much so that with my 14-year-old, twice a week I want Coach Woodhouse to work with him.”

From Los Angeles Times

“At the end of the day, I want to be as versatile as I can.”

From Los Angeles Times

The versatile forward, who joined the Hammers from Hull City in 2020, has scored 56 goals in 202 Premier League appearances.

From BBC

Related Words

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