compatibility
kum-pat-uh-BIL-ih-tee
/kəmˌpæt.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
The state in which two people are able to exist or work together without conflict due to shared values, interests, or temperaments.
Unlike 'chemistry' (which is physical), compatibility is about long-term functional alignment.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'compati', meaning 'to suffer with' or 'to feel pity'. It suggests a deep level of shared experience and emotional resonance.
Word relationships
- affinity: Affinity is a natural liking, while compatibility is a practical suitability.
- incompatibility: The state of being unable to exist together in harmony.
Commonly confused with
- chemistry: Chemistry is the spark; compatibility is the engine.
Word family
- compatible (adjective): Able to exist or occur together without conflict.
Collocations
- long-term compatibility
- emotional compatibility
- sexual compatibility
- test compatibility
Example sentences
- "Compatibility is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to manage it." A psychological perspective on marriage.
- "The app uses a 100-question survey to determine compatibility between users." Discussing dating app filters.
Memory hook
Think of 'COM-PAT'—two people who are 'pats' (friends) who can 'com' (come) together. Fit together like a puzzle.
When not to use
Don't confuse with 'compliance', which is about following rules.
Fun facts
- In computing, compatibility refers to software being able to run on different hardware.
Related words
Explore more words
coexistence, align, alignment, complementary, symbiotic, complement
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.