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 2008Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile. Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008Adobos 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 2008This 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. 2005Within 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. See More
Recent Examples on the WebThough it's pegged as a rib rub, this flavorful, low-sodium option is versatile enough for any meat, veggie, style of eggs, or snack! Ni'kesia Pannell, Woman's Day, 14 Sep. 2022 His custom Inverness green Gibson SG — which allows for multiple pickup and volume controls simultaneously — is versatile enough to shift effortlessly from backing Bruce Springsteen one night and Frank Ocean the next. Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Sep. 2022 Sawyer, while always considered a more conventional edge rusher, was also athletically versatile enough to play quarterback for his Pickerington North High School team. Nathan Baird, cleveland, 16 Aug. 2022 These bad boys are versatile enough for mowing the lawn, hanging with the guys, date night, or even a casual day at the office. Sara Klausing, Men's Health, 9 Aug. 2022 Every bite is the Platonic ideal of what a chili crisp should be: crunchy, spicy (but not too spicy), and versatile enough to put on everything. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 4 Aug. 2022 Tortilla warmers are also versatile enough to keep pancakes, waffles, pita bread, naan and biscuits warm. Molly Allen, Good Housekeeping, 3 Aug. 2022 Payton is versatile enough and defensive-minded enough, to see time at point guard, shooting guard and small forward.oregonlive, 30 June 2022 Summer fragrances should be versatile enough to take you from lounging beachside or poolside to brunch to a night out. Kristin Corpuz, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2022 See More
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