Word
compatible
Phoneticscom·pat·i·ble, stress on the second syllable
US/kəmˈpætəbəɫ/
UK/kəmpˈætəbəl/
Definitions
01working well together
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. able to exist, live, or work together without problems or conflict.
adj. capable of existing or performing in harmonious combination; often used to describe interpersonal relationships or abstract ideas.
“They decided to get married because they were highly compatible and shared the same goals.”
“The new policy is not entirely compatible with the existing regulations, which may lead to legal challenges during the implementation phase.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'with'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02technical integration
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
adj. able to be used together with other equipment or software without needing changes.
adj. referring to hardware or software capable of functioning together without modification.
“This software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.”
“The legacy database proved to be compatible with the cloud-based architecture, saving the IT department months of data migration work.”
Usage
Often used with 'with' to indicate the secondary system.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a compatible device
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a piece of equipment or software that can work with another system.
n. a device or software package designed to be used in conjunction with a specific system or standard.
“The store sells expensive original parts and cheaper compatibles.”
“During the early years of personal computing, the market was flooded with IBM compatibles that offered similar performance at a fraction of the cost.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“What many Norwegians did question, though, was whether her former party lifestyle was one compatible with that of someone married to the future king.” “Samsung says you can go from empty to 67 percent in about 30 minutes with a compatible USB-PD charger.” Etymology
from Middle French compatible, from Medieval Latin compatibilis (“in compatibile beneficium, a benefice which could be held together with another one”), from Late Latin compator (“to suffer with”), from com- (“together”) + pati (“to suffer”); see passion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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