compatible

[ kuhm-pat-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of existing or living together in harmony:

   the most compatible married couple I know.

2. able to exist together with something else:

   Prejudice is not compatible with true religion.

3. consistent; congruent (often followed by with ):

   His claims are not compatible with the facts.

4. Botany. (of two or more different plant species or cultivars) capable of cross-pollinating:

   These varieties of apple trees are quite distinct one from the other, but they are compatible, with each one’s pollen fertilizing the other’s flowers.

5. Computers.
   1. (of software) capable of being run on another computer without change.
   2. (of hardware) capable of being connected to another device without the use of special equipment or software.
6. Electronics. (of a device, signal, etc.) capable of being used with equipment in a system without the need for special modification or conversion.
7. noting a system of television in which color broadcasts can be received on ordinary sets in black and white.

noun

1. something, as a machine or piece of electronic equipment, that is designed to perform the same tasks as another, often in the same way and using virtually identical parts, programmed instructions, etc.:

   Software written for one computer will probably run on its close compatibles.

compatible

/ kəmˈpætəbəl /

adjective

1. usually foll by with able to exist together harmoniously
2. usually foll by with consistent or congruous

   her deeds were not compatible with her ideology

3. of plants
   1. capable of forming successful grafts
   2. capable of successful self-fertilization See self-compatible self-incompatible
4. (of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation

   a PC-compatible disc

Derived Forms

• comˈpatibly, adverb
• comˌpatiˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• com·pat·i·bil·i·ty [k, uh, m-pat-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], com·pat·i·ble·ness noun
• com·pat·i·bly adverb
• non·com·pat·i·ble adjective
• non·com·pat·i·bly adverb
• non·com·pat·i·ble·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compatible¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin compatibilis, derivative of Late Latin compatī ( Latin com- “with, together” + patī “to suffer, undergo”); com-, -ible

Word History and Origins

Origin of compatible¹

C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see compassion

Example Sentences

"Designing materials that are compatible with hairy skin has been a persistent challenge in e-tattoo technology," Lu says.

From Science Daily

It remains unclear whether the levels of radiation are compatible for a publicly accessible space.

From Los Angeles Times

X questioned the "lawfulness" of the bill - saying it may not be compatible with international regulations and human rights treaties which Australia has signed.

From BBC

The degradation state of the residues suggests that, in at least two cases, the trays reached temperatures compatible with those experimentally verified for baking dough in domed ovens.

From Science Daily

Not only must successful blood-suckers be able to find a compatible vertebrate, they need to have evolved senses that let them hone in on their targets.

From Salon

Related Words

• adaptable
• appropriate
• consistent
• suitable