versus

[vur-suhs, -suhz]

preposition

1. against (used especially to indicate an action brought by one party against another in a court of law, or to denote competing teams or players in a sports contest).

   Smith versus Jones; Army versus Navy.

2. as compared to or as one of two choices; in contrast with: v., vs.

   traveling by plane versus traveling by train.

versus

/ ˈvɜːsəs /

preposition

1. v.  vs. (esp in a competition or lawsuit) against; in opposition to

2. as opposed to; in contrast with

Word History and Origins

Origin of versus¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English, from Latin: literally, “towards,” i.e., “turned so as to face (something), opposite, over against,” originally past participle of vertere “to turn”; verse

Word History and Origins

Origin of versus¹

C15: from Latin: turned (in the direction of), opposite, from vertere to turn

Example Sentences

The Eagles appeared to correct the wheel in the first half versus Dallas.

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A short week and a “Black Friday” home contest versus Chicago looms.

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Sterling is steady versus the dollar at 1.3101.

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I enjoyed coaching 11 versus 11 on the training field, and I am sure I have driven a lot of my players mad with my focus on team shape.

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Citi now values Venture Global’s shares at 16 times 2027 earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization, elevated versus its peers due to expansion projects not fully reflected by 2027.

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