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

But 57% of the participants in the CNBC Delivering Alpha Stock Survey say bitcoin is more likely to revert to $50,000, versus hitting the $200,000 mark. —Jason Gewirtz,patricia Martell, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2024

The alternative to a Silicon Valley versus Big Five budget battle would be for the Pentagon to provide ample funding to both groups. —William Hartung, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

The striking photography from cinematographer Lol Crawley suggests themes of modernity versus classicism — the waters of the Statue of Liberty, the majestic quarries of Carrara, Italy — but a sensual magnetism seeps into the visual style as well. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

In terms of what Taka believes the world owes him versus what Mufasa sees as his place in the circle of life. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 24 Dec. 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