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

The Crimson were outscored 276-103, and while no one can say if Zipf spent any of his final fall Saturdays in the stands down in Allston, the proportion of points scored versus points given up was eerily consistent with his 80-20 theory. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Entropy versus enthalpy clash In their new study, Purdue University’s Babak Anasori and colleagues tested the limits of MXene construction by fitting up to nine different metals from the periodic table into a single 2D sheet. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

Most of these projections have been centered around white collar roles, in particular, versus manufacturing or skilled labor positions. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

Or his seven catches, for 169 yards and two touchdowns versus the Chargers in 2018. —Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for versus

• cursus
• ursus
• excursus
• transversus

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