ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compatible

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəmˈpætəbəɫ// UK //kəmpˈætəbəl// com·pat·i·ble Academic

adj. able to exist, live, or work together without problems. You use this for people who get along well or for machines and software that can connect to each other.

adj. capable of existing or performing in harmonious or agreeable combination. Often describes technical systems that can exchange data or individuals whose temperaments do not conflict.


SIMPLE

This new software is not compatible with my old computer.

CONTEXTUAL

The two business partners were successful because their different management styles were surprisingly compatible.

COMPLEX

The committee must ensure that the proposed environmental regulations are fully compatible with existing international trade agreements to avoid legal challenges.

Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'with'.

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