compatible
/kəmˈpæt.ɪ.bəl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Able to work, live, or exist well together without problems. Two things or people are compatible if they do not conflict and can fit together easily.
- Their software is compatible with my phone.
- We are compatible as roommates.
- This charger is not compatible with this laptop.
Adinary Nuance
Compatible is about things fitting together without trouble. It is more specific than "similar" and less emotional than "suitable". You can say two systems are compatible, or two people are compatible, when there is no major clash.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tương thích
- Spanish
- compatible
- Chinese
- 兼容
- Japanese
- 互換性のある
- Korean
- 호환되는
Etymology
Compatible comes from Late Latin compatibilis, meaning 'able to agree'. It entered English in the 17th century, first in formal writing.
Common phrases
compatible withfully compatiblebackward compatiblecompatible device
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is compatible formal or informal?
- It is common in formal writing, school work, and business English.
- What is the difference between compatible and suitable?
- Compatible means things work well together. Suitable means something is right for a purpose.
- Can we say two people are compatible?
- Yes. It means they get along well and do not clash much.
- Is compatible common in technology English?
- Yes. It is very common for apps, devices, and systems.