versatile

ver·sa·tile

adj
\ˈvər-sə-t^əl, 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 \-t^əl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

— ver·sa·tile·ness \-t^əl-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
4. Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile. —Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008
5. Adobos are the Philippines' most beloved, and most versatile, dishes. They consist of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables (such as okra and eggplant) slow-cooked in an aromatic broth of vinegar or coconut milk, garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, and, sometimes, soy sauce until virtually all the liquid has evaporated. —Amy Besa, Saveur, December 2008
6. This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to three scientists for their work on a versatile strategy for synthesizing all manner of novel chemical compounds in an environmentally friendly way. … The three scientists focused on a reaction called metathesis … —A. Cunningham, Science News, 15 Oct. 2005
7. Within weeks [Gerd] Binnig, then 38 and with an infant daughter, worked with a colleague to build a prototype for what has become one of the most versatile scientific tools ever created: the atomic force microscope, or AFM. —Ivan Amato, Fortune, 14 June 2004

Origin of VERSATILE

French or Latin; French, from Latin versatilis turning easily, from versare to turn, frequentative of vertere

First Known Use: 1605

Related to VERSATILE

Synonyms: adaptable, all-around (also all-round), protean, universal

Related Words: general-purpose, mixed-use, multipurpose; well-rounded; able, ace, adept, experienced, expert, masterful, proficient, skilled, skillful; adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, variable

Near Antonyms: limited; amateur, inexperienced

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Rhymes with VERSATILE

Anglophile, country mile, cyclostyle, domicile, family style, Francophile, Gallophile, hypostyle, in denial, juvenile, projectile, rat-tail file, rank and file, single file, statute mile