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

Cirrus is the first to implement the safety system in single-engine piston aircraft, which are more widely flown versus a jet. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025

Products that are good and cost-friendly, versus ones that are mind-blowing and expensive, could determine global AI dominance. —Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Kansas has won seven-straight games versus ACC opponents and 16 of its last 17 against the league dating to 2012. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025

The Beatles versus the Rolling Stones. —Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 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