compatible
Describes two or more things that can exist, live, or work together successfully without conflict. It is frequently used to describe interpersonal relationships, software/hardware systems, or logical ideas that are consistent with one another.
Examples
3 of 5They decided to move in together because they realized their lifestyles were highly compatible.
They chose to live together because their daily habits and ways of living matched well.
The court ruled that the new policy was not compatible with the country's constitution.
The legal authority decided the new rule did not align with the nation's fundamental laws.
I think this new app isn't compatible with my old tablet.
I believe this application won't work on my older electronic device.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Computer-Able' device. If a device is compatible, it is 'able' to work with your 'computer'.
Quick Quiz
The technician explained that the updated software is not ________ with the old hardware.
Correct!
The correct answer is: compatible
Examples
They decided to move in together because they realized their lifestyles were highly compatible.
everydayThey chose to live together because their daily habits and ways of living matched well.
The court ruled that the new policy was not compatible with the country's constitution.
formalThe legal authority decided the new rule did not align with the nation's fundamental laws.
I think this new app isn't compatible with my old tablet.
informalI believe this application won't work on my older electronic device.
The experimental data gathered in the second trial are compatible with the initial hypothesis.
academicThe information from the second test supports and fits the original scientific theory.
We need to ensure our accounting software is compatible with the client's reporting system.
businessWe must make sure our financial programs can exchange data with the customer's system.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
compatible blood type
a blood group that can be safely used for transfusion to a specific person
electronically compatible
devices that can connect and share data without damage or error
ideologically compatible
having belief systems that do not contradict each other
Often Confused With
Comparable means 'similar in size or quality,' while compatible means 'able to exist together without problems.'
Usage Notes
The word is almost always followed by the preposition 'with'. It is used for both people (personalities) and objects (technology/chemicals).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'to' after compatible (e.g., 'compatible to the system'), but 'with' is the standard preposition.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Computer-Able' device. If a device is compatible, it is 'able' to work with your 'computer'.
Word Origin
From the Medieval Latin 'compatibilis', which comes from 'compati' meaning 'to suffer with' or 'to feel pity with'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The technician explained that the updated software is not ________ with the old hardware.
Correct!
The correct answer is: compatible
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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adloctude
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