compatible

[kuhm-pat-uh-buhl]

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.

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compatible¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compatible¹

C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see _compassion

Example Sentences

The 76-year-old golf legend spent an entire career showing that professional courtesy is compatible with competitive greatness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The tech giants introduced new speakers, home displays and cameras this week to capitalize on their evolved assistants, but most existing devices are also compatible.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Robert Jenrick needs to urgently explain himself and why these comments are in any way compatible with what his party leader said."

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She wants to retrain as a therapist, but doing so would mean she could no longer work from home, which isn't compatible with her childcare arrangements.

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Further testing revealed that Stephen’s immune system was compatible with his father’s.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adaptable 
• appropriate 
• consistent 
• suitable