versatile
flexible in many different ways
TRANSLATION
versatile = vielfältig, vielseitig, wandlungsfähig, beweglich, flexibel versatility = Vielseitigkeit (woerterbuch.info) --- GOOGLE INDEX versatile: approximately 40,000,000 Google hits
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Born in 1972 in Wellington New Zealand, this VERSATILE actor starred on stage and in several New Zealand TV series before his introduction to US audiences in the late 90s.
(www.zimbio.com)
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Sophisticated data systems turn financial records into VERSATILE strategic tools.
(BusinessWeek magazine)
(www.zimbio.com)
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Sophisticated data systems turn financial records into VERSATILE strategic tools.
(BusinessWeek magazine)
Did you
know?
versatile (noun = versatility)
adjective
- able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposes
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
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WORD ORIGIN
Versatile is borrowed from the French versatile and directly from the Latin versatilis (turning, revolving, moving, capable of turning to varied subjects or tasks). The meaning of able to turn from one subject or occupation to another, many-sided, is first recorded in English in 1656.
The more than 40 million Google hits highlight the fact that versatile is a versatile term. This is primarily because versatile is frequently used - some would say overused - in the marketing of products and services. It is difficult to find a major business web site these days that does not apply this adjective in one fashion or another.
This is understandable since a versatile product or service means it can be used to accomplish more than just one thing, something that most buyers expect meanwhile. Imagine a mobile phone that can only be used to make phone calls. Or a DVD player that only accepts the CD/R format. That would be unthinkable these days.
A good example of a versatile tool is the Swiss Army knife, the famous multi-functional pocket knife that has various built-in tools like a screwdriver and can opener. It was invented by the owner of a Swiss surgical instrument company in 1891, after he discovered to his dismay that the pocket knives supplied to the Swiss Army were actually made in Germany. Many German army officers purchased Swiss Army knives during World War II, but as prisoners of war had them confiscated by U.S. soldiers. The American soldiers brought the red pocketknives back to the U.S. when they returned home after the war. It wasn't long before the versatile pocketknife gained international fame.
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SYNONYMS
all-around, all-round, many-sided, multifaceted, protean, various, able, adaptable, adept, adjustable, adroit, ambidextrous, changeable, flexible, gifted, handy, inconstant, mobile, multifaceted, multiskilled, proficient, resourceful, skilled, talented, variable
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SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:
"If we want expand our market share and attract a broader customer base, we have to make our products more versatile."
adjective
- able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposes
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)
---
WORD ORIGIN
Versatile is borrowed from the French versatile and directly from the Latin versatilis (turning, revolving, moving, capable of turning to varied subjects or tasks). The meaning of able to turn from one subject or occupation to another, many-sided, is first recorded in English in 1656.
The more than 40 million Google hits highlight the fact that versatile is a versatile term. This is primarily because versatile is frequently used - some would say overused - in the marketing of products and services. It is difficult to find a major business web site these days that does not apply this adjective in one fashion or another.
This is understandable since a versatile product or service means it can be used to accomplish more than just one thing, something that most buyers expect meanwhile. Imagine a mobile phone that can only be used to make phone calls. Or a DVD player that only accepts the CD/R format. That would be unthinkable these days.
A good example of a versatile tool is the Swiss Army knife, the famous multi-functional pocket knife that has various built-in tools like a screwdriver and can opener. It was invented by the owner of a Swiss surgical instrument company in 1891, after he discovered to his dismay that the pocket knives supplied to the Swiss Army were actually made in Germany. Many German army officers purchased Swiss Army knives during World War II, but as prisoners of war had them confiscated by U.S. soldiers. The American soldiers brought the red pocketknives back to the U.S. when they returned home after the war. It wasn't long before the versatile pocketknife gained international fame.
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SYNONYMS
all-around, all-round, many-sided, multifaceted, protean, various, able, adaptable, adept, adjustable, adroit, ambidextrous, changeable, flexible, gifted, handy, inconstant, mobile, multifaceted, multiskilled, proficient, resourceful, skilled, talented, variable
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SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:
"If we want expand our market share and attract a broader customer base, we have to make our products more versatile."
