versatile

3 ENTRIES FOUND:

ver·sa·tile

adj
\ˈvər-sə-təl, especially British -ˌtī(-ə)l\

Definition of VERSATILE

1
: changing or fluctuating readily : variable <a versatile disposition>
2
: embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also : turning with ease from one thing to another
3
a (1) : capable of turning forward or backward : reversible <a versatile toe of a bird> (2) : capable of moving laterally and up and down <versatile antennae> b of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely
4
: having many uses or applications <versatile building material>
ver·sa·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb
ver·sa·tile·ness \-təl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun

Examples of VERSATILE

  1. She is a versatile athlete who participates in many different sports.
  2. A pocketknife is a versatile tool.
  3. Horses stand apart because of their versatile roles in human society, which came to include dairy production, transportation, haulage, plowing, sports, warfare, religion, and status. —Sandra L. Olsen, Natural History, May 2008

Origin of VERSATILE

French or Latin; French, from Latin versatilis turning easily, from versare to turn, frequentative of vertere
First Known Use: 1605

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