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

Take a tip from Flynn and register for individual knives (versus a set) to ensure it'll actually get purchased. —Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

Are there any similarities in your approach to crafting a record versus designing a video game? —Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024

The evidence for this startling finding comes by comparing side effects between patients allocated to the placebo shot versus those allocated to the real shot in the vaccine trials. —TIME, 4 Apr. 2024

The process differs in those who weigh more versus those who weigh less. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

In addition to that half-billion-dollar investment in Capital One — which is in the capital budget, versus the more strapped operating budget — Bowser is pitching an array of other proposals intended to aid downtown. —Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

By some estimates, California renters could save $112,000 or more over five years given the cost difference to rent versus buy. —David Howard, Orange County Register, 1 Apr. 2024

In response, Turkish stocks rose and the lira — which has shed more than 80% of its value in five years — touched another record low versus the dollar on a holiday for many world financial markets. —Reuters, NBC News, 1 Apr. 2024

Bundle plans with both services cost $9.99/month with ads ($2 more than Disney+ Basic with ads by itself) and $19.99/month without ads (versus $13.99/month for standalone Disney+ Premium). —Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 Mar. 2024

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

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