compatible
kuhm-PAT-uh-buhl
/kəmˈpætəbl/
Able to exist, live, or work together without conflict or problems.
Can describe people (temperaments, lifestyles) or things (software, blood types, hardware).
The story behind the word. Surprisingly, 'compatible' comes from the Latin 'compati', meaning 'to suffer with' or 'sympathize'. Over time, the meaning shifted from sharing suffering to sharing feelings, and eventually to simply getting along well together.
Word relationships
- harmonious: 'Harmonious' emphasizes pleasant, peaceful relations, while 'compatible' focuses on the practical ability to function together without clashing.
- congenial: 'Congenial' means friendly and sharing similar tastes, whereas 'compatible' is broader and can apply to non-living systems.
- incompatible: 'Incompatible' means unable to exist together due to fundamental differences.
Commonly confused with
- comparable: 'Comparable' means similar or able to be compared; 'compatible' means able to get along or work together.
Word family
- compatibility (noun): The state of being compatible.
- compatibly (adverb): In a compatible manner.
Collocations
- highly compatible
- compatible roommates
- mutually compatible
Example sentences
- "They realized they were compatible roommates because both preferred quiet evenings and early mornings." Roommate matching process
- "Make sure your smart home devices are compatible with the apartment's Wi-Fi network." Technology integration
Memory hook
Think of 'combat' + 'impossible'. If you are compatible, combat is impossible! Compatible: Combat is impossible.
When not to use
Do not use to mean 'identical'. Two people can be highly compatible precisely because their differences complement each other.
Fun facts
- The word was originally used in ecclesiastical law to describe two benefices or offices that could be held by the same person at the same time.
Explore more words
compatibility, coexistence, harmonize, complementary, companionable, interoperable
Also appears in
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