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

Motivational interviewing helps people find their own motivation to make positive changes, versus telling someone what to do. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Tesla, the battery-electric vehicle brand co-founded by Elon Musk, has seen its sales plummet globally, down 13 percent in the first quarter of 2025 versus the same period in 2024. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

Impatient photographers can opt for a 9% discount versus retail with product delivery in October. —Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025

This includes two games against Ireland in Denver and Cincinnati next week and one versus Canada in Washington, D.C., on July 2. —Emily Olsen, New York Times, 17 June 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