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REFERENCE

verse

n. · v.
US //ˈvɝs// UK //vˈɜːs// verse
  1. 1 part of a song (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    one of the parts of a song that has the same music but different words each time.

    a structural unit of a song, typically consisting of several rhyming lines, that alternates with the chorus.

    Example

    I can remember the chorus of that song, but I always forget the second verse.

    Example

    The songwriter decided to strip back the instrumentation during the first verse to create a more intimate connection with the listener before the heavy chorus.
  2. 2 poetry (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    writing that is arranged in lines with a regular rhythm or rhyme.

    writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a thematic or formal structure.

    Example

    The children practiced reading the verse aloud to hear the rhythm of the words.

    Example

    The collection includes both traditional rhyming verse and more experimental free-verse compositions that ignore standard meter.
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  1. 3 religious text (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    a short, numbered section of a chapter in a holy book like the Bible or Quran.

    a short numbered subdivision of a chapter in a sacred text.

    Example

    The priest asked the congregation to turn to the third verse of the chapter.

    Example

    Scholars spent years debating the precise translation of this specific verse, noting its linguistic similarities to older Aramaic dialects.
  2. 4 to educate or inform (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to teach someone about a subject or make them an expert in it.

    to make someone familiar with or knowledgeable about a particular subject. Usually used in the passive voice with 'in'.

    Example

    She is well versed in local history and can tell you all about the old buildings.

    Example

    The legal team was thoroughly versed in international maritime law, ensuring they were prepared for any jurisdictional challenges during the trial.

    Usage

    Commonly appears as 'to be well versed in' something.
Etymology 1

From Middle English vers, from a mixture of Old English fers and Old French vers; both from Latin versus (“a line in writing, and in poetry a verse; (originally) row, furrow”), from vertō (“to turn around”).

Etymology 2

Back-formation from versus, misconstrued as a third-person singular verb verses.

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