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

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

But as we see with Ramses and Marissa, there is more to being compatible than mutual disdain for Trump or a shared support for liberal ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

Or maybe he does understand, but prefers a speech environment compatible with his authoritarian style of leadership and his excessive need for flattery and approval.

From Salon

That’s where groups like Little Tokyo Senior Nutrition Services can fill the gap by providing culturally compatible foods while also bridging potential language barriers that exist for Asian seniors.

From Los Angeles Times

At this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, he said that “advertisers have a right to appear next to content that they find compatible with their brands.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adaptable
• appropriate
• consistent
• suitable