Definition of versatile

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< versant

verse >

ver·sa·tile    (vûrs-tl, -tl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Capable of doing many things competently.
2. Having varied uses or serving many functions: "The most versatile of vegetables is the tomato" (Craig Claiborne).
3. Variable or inconstant; changeable: a versatile temperament.
4. Biology Capable of moving freely in all directions, as the antenna of an insect, the toe of an owl, or the loosely attached anther of a flower.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin verstilis, from verstus, past participle of versre, to turn; see wer- ² in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
versa·tile·ly (Adverb), versa·tili·ty   (-tl-t) KEY   or versa·tile·ness   (-tl-ns, -tl-) KEY  (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
versatile , all-around , many-sided , multifaceted , multifarious

These adjectives mean having many aspects, uses, or abilities: a versatile writer; an all-around athlete; a many-sided subject; a multifaceted undertaking; multifarious interests.

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