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

The home comes with “a versatile full-size court for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, plus a professional turf wiffle ball field with a high school-distance pitching mound.”

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Cardinal is hoping to make its pharmaceutical and specialty distribution business, which has more than 70,000 drug deliveries daily, more efficient and versatile.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The upshot is a team that is supremely versatile.

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Together, these versatile actors help flesh out the Harlem neighborhood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Well, it was Reach’s father who suggested he start practicing as a long snapper several years ago to make himself more versatile since he also was a linebacker.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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