versatile
/'və:sətail/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Able to move freely in all directions: Describes something that can swing, turn, or be moved easily in multiple ways.
- Competent in many areas and able to turn with ease from one thing to another: Describes a person who has many different skills or can adapt to various tasks and roles.
- Having great diversity or variety: Describes something that shows a wide range of different qualities, uses, or forms.
- Changeable or inconstant: Describes something, such as a mood or opinion, that is liable to change.
Usage Examples
Able to move freely:
- The versatile antenna of the insect can detect signals from many angles.
- A versatile joint allows for a greater range of motion.
Competent in many areas:
- She is a versatile musician, skilled in both classical and jazz piano.
- We need a versatile employee who can handle marketing, sales, and customer service.
Having great diversity:
- The region's versatile landscape includes mountains, forests, and beaches.
- This is a versatile recipe that can be adapted for different dietary needs.
Changeable or inconstant:
- His versatile opinions made him an unreliable ally in the debate. (Note: This usage is less common in modern English.)
Advanced Usage
"To prove versatile": To demonstrate adaptability or skill in various areas.
- The new software has proven versatile, useful for both data analysis and graphic design.
"Versatile in nature": Inherently adaptable or multi-functional.
- Bamboo is versatile in nature, used in construction, textiles, and even as food.
Variants and Related Words
- Versatility (noun): The quality of being versatile.
- Her versatility as an actress allows her to perform in comedies and dramas with equal skill.
Synonyms
- Adaptable: Able to adjust to new conditions.
- Multifaceted: Having many different aspects or features.
- All-around: Competent in many areas (e.g., an all-around athlete).
- Resourceful: Able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Antonyms
- Inflexible: Unwilling to change or adapt.
- Specialized: Trained or developed for a particular purpose or skill.
- Limited: Restricted in scope, number, or ability.
Related Phrases
A versatile tool: An instrument or method useful for many different purposes.
- A smartphone is a versatile tool for communication, navigation, and entertainment.
A versatile performer: An entertainer skilled in multiple types of performance.
- He is a versatile performer, equally known for his acting, singing, and dancing.
Adjective
- able to move freely in all directions
- an owl's versatile toe can move backward and forward
- an insect's versatile antennae can move up and down or laterally
- a versatile anther of a flower moves freely in the wind
- competent in many areas and able to turn with ease from one thing to another
- a versatile writer
- changeable or inconstant
- versatile moods
- having great diversity or variety
- his various achievements are impressive
- his vast and versatile erudition