versatile
Americanadjective
-
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
-
having or capable of many uses.
A pocket knife is a versatile tool.
- Synonyms:
- handy , all-around , adaptable
-
Botany. attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely, as an anther.
-
Zoology. turning either forward or backward.
a versatile toe.
-
variable or changeable, as in feeling, purpose, or policy.
His versatile moods made him a challenge to work with.
-
Slang. vers.
adjective
-
capable of or adapted for many different uses, skills, etc
-
variable or changeable
-
botany (of an anther) attached to the filament by a small area so that it moves freely in the wind
-
zoology able to turn forwards and backwards
versatile antennae
Other Word Forms
- unversatile adjective
- unversatilely adverb
- unversatileness noun
- versatilely adverb
- versatileness noun
- versatility noun
Etymology
Origin of versatile
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bonds was an all-action, versatile player who mixed remarkable fitness, a fiercely competitive nature and skill into a potent combination that was at the heart of everything he and West Ham did.
From BBC
Santa Margarita has an advantage with versatile linebacker Dash Fifita and a defensive line second to none.
From Los Angeles Times
If your people are beer people, think versatile: an amber ale or clean lager, plus a solid N/A counterpart.Athletic makes good ones, though many skew hoppy, so keep your audience in mind.
From Salon
“The thing in talking to him that you love is that he’s versatile, and he said to just get him players and he’ll make them work,” director of player personnel Joe Hortiz said.
From Washington Times
He might present a more versatile long-term package than Anderson.
From Seattle Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
