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

Now that the rankings are less competitive versus just a few days ago, ABBA benefits greatly, as its Gold: Greatest Hits compilation returns to multiple tallies at the same time, once again reestablishing itself as a bestseller – and in several formats, no less. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

The Capitals asserted their dominance in the East’s 1 versus 8 series, a year after getting swept as the underdog in it by the New York Rangers. —Stephen Whyno, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025

Full-year revenue is expected to range between $987 million and $996 million, versus the Street’s estimate of $977 million. —Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 1 May 2025

Of more significant concern is his 1.58 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus five walks (8 K-BB percentage) and only an 8.8 swinging strike percentage. —Greg Jewett, New York Times, 1 May 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