versatile

[ vur-suh-tlor, especially British, -tahyl ]

adjective

1. 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

2. having or capable of many uses:

   A pocket knife is a versatile tool.

   Synonyms: handy, all-around, adaptable

3. Botany. attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely, as an anther.
4. Zoology. turning either forward or backward:

   a versatile toe.

5. variable or changeable, as in feeling, purpose, or policy:

   His versatile moods made him a challenge to work with.

6. Slang. vers ( def ).

versatile

/ ˌvɜːsəˈtɪlɪtɪ; ˈvɜːsəˌtaɪl /

adjective

1. capable of or adapted for many different uses, skills, etc
2. variable or changeable
3. botany (of an anther) attached to the filament by a small area so that it moves freely in the wind
4. zoology able to turn forwards and backwards

   versatile antennae

Derived Forms

• versatility, noun
• ˈversaˌtilely, adverb

Other Words From

• ver·sa·tile·ly adverb
• ver·sa·til·i·ty [vur-s, uh, -, til, -i-tee], ver·sa·tile·ness [vur, -s, uh, -tl-nis] noun
• un·ver·sa·tile adjective
• un·ver·sa·tile·ly adverb
• un·ver·sa·tile·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of versatile¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of versatile¹

C17: from Latin versātilis moving around, from versāre to turn

Example Sentences

So the Dodgers can strengthen baseball’s best lineup, deepen their historic batting order, tighten their versatile defense, become even more exciting, more enchanting, more unbeatable.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers chose three chemically versatile organic compounds from which they grew elastic organic crystals.

From Science Daily

The research, which focuses on "efficient and versatile locomotion with legs," is funded by the EU through an ERC Advanced Grant.

From Science Daily

The researchers plan to develop the system further with the goal of creating a versatile platform for real-time pollutant monitoring and earth-space optical communications.

From Science Daily

Actor Timothy West, one of Britain's most distinguished and versatile actors, has died at the age of 90, his family have announced.

From BBC

Related Words

• accomplished
• adaptable
• all-around
• functional
• gifted
• resourceful
• skilled
• skillful
• talented