versatile

adjective

ver·​sa·​tile ˈvər-sə-tᵊl 

especially British

-ˌtī(-ə)l 

1

: embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills

also : turning with ease from one thing to another

2

: having many uses or applications

versatile building material

3

: changing or fluctuating readily : variable

a versatile disposition

4

a(1)

: capable of turning forward or backward : reversible

a versatile toe of a bird

(2)

: capable of moving laterally and up and down

versatile antennae

b

of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely

versatilely

ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-(l)ē 

-ˌtī(-ə)l-lē

adverb

versatileness

ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-nəs 

-ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs

noun

Synonyms

• adaptable
• all-around
• all-round
• protean
• universal

Examples of versatile in a Sentence

Horses stand apart because of their versatile roles in human society, which came to include dairy production, transportation, haulage, plowing, sports, warfare, religion, and status. —Sandra L. Olsen, Natural History, May 2008

Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile. —Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008

Adobos are the Philippines' most beloved, and most versatile, dishes. They consist of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables (such as okra and eggplant) slow-cooked in an aromatic broth of vinegar or coconut milk, garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, and, sometimes, soy sauce until virtually all the liquid has evaporated. —Amy Besa, Saveur, December 2008

This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to three scientists for their work on a versatile strategy for synthesizing all manner of novel chemical compounds in an environmentally friendly way.  … The three scientists focused on a reaction called metathesis … —A. Cunningham, Science News, 15 Oct. 2005

Within weeks [Gerd] Binnig, then 38 and with an infant daughter, worked with a colleague to build a prototype for what has become one of the most versatile scientific tools ever created: the atomic force microscope, or AFM. —Ivan Amato, Fortune, 14 June 2004

She is a versatile athlete who participates in many different sports.

A pocketknife is a versatile tool.

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to improving costs, new technologies—such as bidirectional vehicles, as discussed in my previous column—can make microgrids more powerful and versatile. —Tracy Price, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

From functional puffers and insulated parkas to chic peacoats, discover my top 12 winter jacket picks that are stylish, versatile, and a smart investment for the chilly season ahead. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024

Glitter is surprisingly versatile, and there are tons of different ways to wear it. —Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 11 Dec. 2024

My biggest question coming out of USC’s Big Ten hoops debut last week was how Saint Thomas — a player many, including Eric Musselman, believed could be the Trojans’ best, most versatile playmaker this season — suddenly looked so tentative as a scorer. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin versātilis "able to turn, operated by turning, capable of turning to different tasks," from versāre "to keep turning" (frequentative of vertere "to turn") + -tilis, suffix with the sense "characterized by, obtained by" — more at worth entry 1

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing versatile

• digital versatile disc

Kids Definition

versatile

adjective

ver·​sa·​tile ˈvər-sət-ᵊl 

: able to do many different kinds of things

versatility

ˌvər-sə-ˈtil-ət-ē

noun

Etymology

from French versatile or Latin versatilis, both meaning "versatile, able to change," derived from Latin versari "to turn, change, reside (in a place)," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, reverse, universe, vertical, vice versa