compatible

American  

[kuhm-pat-uh-buhl] / kəmˈpæt ə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of existing or living together in harmony.

   the most compatible married couple I know.

2. able to exist together with something else.

   Prejudice is not compatible with true religion.

3. consistent; congruent (often followed bywith ).

   His claims are not compatible with the facts.

4. Botany. (of two or more different plant species or cultivars) capable of cross-pollinating.

   These varieties of apple trees are quite distinct one from the other, but they are compatible, with each one’s pollen fertilizing the other’s flowers.

5. Computers.

   1. (of software) capable of being run on another computer without change.

   2. (of hardware) capable of being connected to another device without the use of special equipment or software.

6. Electronics. (of a device, signal, etc.) capable of being used with equipment in a system without the need for special modification or conversion.

7. noting a system of television in which color broadcasts can be received on ordinary sets in black and white.

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noun

1. something, as a machine or piece of electronic equipment, that is designed to perform the same tasks as another, often in the same way and using virtually identical parts, programmed instructions, etc..

   Software written for one computer will probably run on its close compatibles.

compatible British  

/ kəmˈpætəbəl /

adjective

1. (usually foll by with) able to exist together harmoniously

2. (usually foll by with) consistent or congruous

   her deeds were not compatible with her ideology

3. 1. capable of forming successful grafts

   2. capable of successful self-fertilization See self-compatible self-incompatible

4. (of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation

   a PC-compatible disc

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Other Word Forms

• compatibility noun
• compatibleness noun
• compatibly adverb
• noncompatible adjective
• noncompatibleness noun
• noncompatibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of compatible

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin compatibilis, derivative of Late Latin compatī ( Latin com- “with, together” + patī “to suffer, undergo”); com-, -ible

Explanation

A word that comes up a lot in discussions of both food and people pairings, compatible speaks to a person or thing’s ability to exist agreeably with something or someone else. Use the word compatible to describe two things that work well together, like your Wii and your big screen TV, or peanut butter and jelly. You may have heard that opposites attract, but initial attraction doesn’t necessarily mean that opposites will be compatible in the long-term. Advised Russian novelist and philosopher Leo Tolstoy, “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.”

Example Sentences

“It’s important to develop mining in Argentina that is compatible with environmental controls, but not at any price,” said Congressman Maximiliano Ferraro, who opposed the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Instead, they now strongly show support for leaders they sees as compatible with US diplomatic priorities.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Salah and Mane were not always compatible as personalities but on the pitch they were perfectly in tune with each other, aided by the graceful Brazilian Firmino.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

In addition, thin films provide greater uniformity and are more compatible with modern device fabrication techniques than bulk crystals.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

The two of them had been a compatible, attractive, and charming couple, making the rounds of the black community’s fall galas, debutante balls, picnics, and fundraisers.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• adaptable
• appropriate
• consistent
• suitable