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View synonyms for versatile

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

/ 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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • versatility, noun
  • ˈversaˌtilely, adverb
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of versatile1

C17: from Latin versātilis moving around, from versāre to turn
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Example Sentences

They’re also versatile and you can achieve that easy-release beloved in nonstick by adding sufficient oil or fat before you cook your food.

From Salon

He just really gets me, and he’s the most versatile producer I know.

It does not hurt that it is a gorgeous shade of ruby red and so very versatile.

From Salon

He is versatile, skilful and has a big heart.

From BBC

"The electrifying action and experiences that fans look forward to and enjoy every year, is expressed through the versatile new identity that has been informed by feedback from all corners of the game."

From BBC

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