versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

free trade versus protection

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Abbreviating Versus

In a number of areas the English language is possessed of an embarrassment of riches, with multiple synonyms or abbreviations for a word. One such case is versus, which is often written in a shortened form. You may choose between vs, vs., and v. Take care, when writing the word out in full, that you distinguish between versus (a preposition meaning “against”) and verses (“lines of metrical writing”).

Examples of versus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With over 3,400 five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers rave about its looser look and breathability versus other similar tops. —Grace Smith, Southern Living, 7 June 2024

Plaschke: Chris Paul versus the rest of the team should have been highlighted. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024

But officials debate how much of the improvement can be attributed to training by foreign pilots versus an increase in hours that Chinese pilots are logging in homegrown training programs. —Helene Cooper, New York Times, 5 June 2024

Lola’s run is repeated three times, with a different outcome in each, leaving viewers to ponder such weighty concepts of free will versus fate, and the tiny moments and chance decisions that can change the course of a life or death. —Peter Larsen, Orange County Register, 5 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, towards, against, from Latin, adverb, so as to face, from past participle of vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against sense 1a

the champion versus the challenger

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

the tastiness of store-bought versus homemade cookies