versatile
Americanadjective
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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
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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.
Evan Samson, general manager of Dumfries House, said the new venue would be versatile and able to host a broad range of events.
From BBC
The company has focused on making Atlas strong, nimble, versatile and aware of its surroundings.
From Barron's
They’re forgiving, versatile and happy to meet you wherever your energy happens to be.
From Salon
In fact, the versatile naan diligently props up whatever it is paired with, allowing the main dish to shine.
From BBC
Guardiola's use of his wingers this season has been another change and one that works partly thanks to the versatile full-backs.
From BBC
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.
