versatile

adjective ver·sa·tile \ ˈvər-sə-tᵊl , especially British -ˌtī(-ə)l \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Examples: versatile in a Sentence

Definition of versatile

1 : embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills; also : turning with ease from one thing to another

2 : having many uses or applications

versatile building material

3 : changing or fluctuating readily : variable

a versatile disposition

4 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

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versatilely

play \ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb

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versatileness

play \ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun

See versatile defined for English-language learners

See versatile defined for kids

Examples of versatile in a Sentence

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
Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile. —Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008
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
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
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
She is a versatile athlete who participates in many different sports.
A pocketknife is a versatile tool.

Recent Examples of versatile from the Web

But how versatile the Cavs can be on defense, where Jeff Green could relieve pressure from LeBron, will determine how quickly the fourth installment of this rivalry ends.

— aj neuharth-keusch, USA TODAY, "NBA Finals predictions: Can LeBron James, Cavaliers pull off the unthinkable vs. Warriors?," 31 May 2018
Both are versatile and contribute all over the field.

— katherine dunn, baltimoresun.com, "Previewing the semifinals of the NCAA Division I women's lacrosse tournament," 23 May 2018
One brain, many bodies The iPhone could be an even more versatile computer, though.

— david pierce, WSJ, "Your Smartphone Is the Best Computer You Own," 23 May 2018
The best power forwards in the league – such as Anthony Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge and Draymond Green – also have the ability to fill in at center and are versatile.

— jason jones, sacbee, "Kings' best draft fits: Who could be the answer at power forward? Or is he here already? | The Sacramento Bee," 22 May 2018
Milburn uses part-art, part-science techniques to create her versatile mirror art.

— linda jerkins, ajc, "A nod to mod & made in Atlanta," 15 May 2018
The opportunity to get a versatile midrange laptop with a true variety of processors is welcome—especially because the AMD versions of the laptop promise similar performance for a little less money.

— melissa riofrio, PCWorld, "HP’s Envy x360 15 lets you choose between Intel and AMD," 14 May 2018
Interest in copper on Pinterest is up 90 percent, and its uses are versatile: Add a touch of glamour to a tablescape with a copper vase, make a statement with a copper light fixture or try out copper flatware.

— kelsey kloss, ELLE Decor, "7 Best Spring Home Decor Trends To Refresh Your Home," 22 Feb. 2017
My Land Rover Discovery was very comfortable, attractive, versatile, and easy to drive.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Land Rover’s 5th-generation Discovery excels either on or off the beaten track | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 26 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'versatile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of versatile

borrowed from Latin versātilis "able to turn, operated by turning, capable of turning to different tasks," from versāre "to keep turning" (frequentative of vertere "to turn") + -tilis, suffix with the sense "characterized by, obtained by" — more at ¹worth

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1605

in the meaning defined at sense 3

See Words from the same year

versatile Synonyms

Synonyms

adaptable, all-around (also all-round), protean, universal;

Near Antonyms

limited;

amateur, inexperienced;

well-rounded;

able, ace, adept, experienced, expert, masterful, proficient, skilled, skillful;

adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, modifiable, plastic, pliable, pliant, supple, variable;

VERSATILE Defined for English Language Learners

versatile

adjective

Definition of versatile for English Language Learners

: able to do many different things
: having many different uses

VERSATILE Defined for Kids

versatile

adjective ver·sa·tile \ ˈvər-sə-tᵊl \

Definition of versatile for Students

1 : able to do many different kinds of things

2 : having many uses

a versatile tool

Word Root of versatile

The Latin word vertere, meaning “to turn” or “to change,” and its form versus give us the roots vert and vers. Words from the Latin vertere have something to do with turning or changing. Anything versatile, or able to do or be used for many different things, can change its task easily. A vertebra is a bone in the spine that allows an animal to turn its head or body. To avert is to turn away. To divert is to turn aside onto a new path. To revert is to turn back to a former way of being.