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

This time every year, someone asks each NFL general manager about drafting for need versus taking the best player available. —Vic Tafur, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Take note that the impact on the strength of the dollar in daily foreign exchange markets is mostly based on the demand of foreign buyers who need dollars versus our own demand for those foreign currencies. —Zain Jaffer, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

In the Cubs’ final exhibition game, Brown allowed two runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings with one walk and four strikeouts in a 4-2 win versus the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday at Sloan Park. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Campbell acknowledges there are similarities in calculating risk avoidance in mountaineering, versus filming near the front lines of a war, but there’s one fundamental difference. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 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