If things, for example systems, ideas, and beliefs, are compatible, they work well together or can exist together successfully.
Free enterprise, he argued, was compatible with Russian values and traditions. [+ with]
Marriage and the life I live just don't seem compatible.
Synonyms: consistent, in keeping, consonant, congenial More Synonyms of compatible
compatibility (kəmpætɪbɪlɪti)uncountable noun
National courts can freeze any law while its compatibility with European legislationis being tested. [+ with]
[Also + of/between]
Synonyms: agreement, consistency, accordance, affinity More Synonyms of compatible
2. adjective
If you say that you are compatible with someone, you mean that you have a good relationship with them because you have similar opinions and interests.
Mildred and I are very compatible. She's interested in the things that interest me.
You should find a doctor with whom you are compatible and feel comfortable.
[Also + with]
Synonyms: like-minded, harmonious, in harmony, in accord More Synonyms of compatible
compatibilityuncountable noun
As a result of their compatibility, Haig and Fraser were able to bring about wide-rangingreforms.
Synonyms: like-mindedness, harmony, empathy, rapport More Synonyms of compatible
3. adjective
If one make of computer or computer equipment is compatiblewith another make, especially IBM, they can be used together and can use the same software.
[computing]
compatible in British English
(kəmˈpætəbəl)
adjective
1. (usually foll by with)
able to exist together harmoniously
2. (usually foll by with)
consistent or congruous
her deeds were not compatible with her ideology
3. (of plants)
a.
capable of forming successful grafts
b.
capable of successful self-fertilization
self-compatible, self-incompatible
4.
(of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation
Derived forms
compatibility (comˌpatiˈbility) or compatibleness (comˈpatibleness)
noun
compatibly (comˈpatibly)
adverb
Word origin
C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see compassion
compatible in American English
(kəmˈpætəbəl)
adjective
1.
a.
capable of living together harmoniously or getting along well together (with)
b.
in agreement; congruent (with)
2.
a.
that can work well together, get along well together, combine well, etc.
a compatible couple, compatible colors
b.
that can function or be used together without change or alteration
3.
that can be mixed without reacting chemically or interfering with one another's action or state: said of drugs, insecticides, etc.
4. Botany
that can be cross-fertilized or grafted readily
5. Computing
designating or of
a.
computer components, software, etc. that can be used with a specified computer or computer system
often in hyphenated compounds
b.
computers or computer systems that can use the same components, software, etc.
Derived forms
compatibility (comˌpatiˈbility)
noun or comˈpatibleness
compatibly (comˈpatibly)
adverb
Word origin
ME & ML compatibilis < LL(Ec) compati: see compassion
Examples of 'compatible' in a sentence
compatible
Modern life is not compatible with gardening.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Joining a group is about finding a group of people with whom we feel compatible.
Crowley, Vivianne Phoenix From the Flame (1994)
Are my working hours compatible with my current family situation?
Christianity Today (2000)
Is it possible to return the redundant appliances and swap them for compatible ones?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The astrologers pronounced them compatible and they seemed to get on well together.
Jonathan Gregson BLOOD AGAINST THE SNOWS: The Tragic Story of Nepal's Royal Dynasty (2002)
Are blasphemy laws compatible with free speech?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In what ways is her chosen life compatible with her disease?
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
It will also need to be compatible with the radio frequency used in the country you are visiting.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He is needed also to make sure that the planning of one group is compatible with the planning of the others.
Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)
Although machines are made by different manufacturers compatible ones will work with the same software and data interface connections as each other.
Samways, B. & Byrne-Jones, T. Computers Basic Facts (1983)
Many find their religion compatible with Western society.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
We exist because in this universe the laws just happen to be compatible with life and the right molecules bumped into each other at the right time.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The charity's trustees have not been consulted and it is far from clear whether such sweeping powers are compatible with charity law.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We know you've changed, but that only ought to make us more compatible.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
It would be hard in this sport to find three more compatible champions, who have been so willing to engage with all parts of the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Once in work, you could find that your employer will recognize your abilities and different, more compatible work could come your way.
Shapiro, Jean Get the Best out of the Rest of Your Life (1990)
It does not seem compatible, as I think his record clearly shows.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It's quite surprising to find any couple compatible in the complex area of socialising; most of us accept that successful relationships thrive on difference.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She has a lot more time for me than my partner and when we're together I feel we are compatible.
The Sun (2011)
In other languages
compatible
British English: compatible /kəmˈpætəbl/ ADJECTIVE
If things, systems, or ideas are compatible, they work well together or can exist together successfully.
His story is fully compatible with the facts.
American English: compatible
Arabic: مُتَوَافِق
Brazilian Portuguese: compatível
Chinese: 兼容的
Croatian: kompatibilan
Czech: kompatibilní
Danish: forenelig
Dutch: compatibel
European Spanish: compatible
Finnish: yhteensopiva
French: compatible
German: kompatibel
Greek: συμβατός
Italian: compatibile
Japanese: 両立できる
Korean: 호환성 있는
Norwegian: kompatibel
Polish: zgodny
European Portuguese: compatível
Romanian: compatibil
Russian: совместимый
Latin American Spanish: compatible
Swedish: kompatibel
Thai: ที่อยู่ร่วมกันได้
Turkish: uyumlu
Ukrainian: сумісний
Vietnamese: tương thích
Chinese translation of 'compatible'
compatible
(kəmˈpætɪbl)
adj
[people]意气(氣)相投的 (yìqì xiāngtóu de)
[ideas, activities]协(協)调(調)的 (xiétiáo de)
(Comput) 兼容的 (jiānróng de)
to be compatible with sb与(與)某人意气(氣)相投 (yǔ mǒurén yìqì xiāngtóu)
to be compatible with sth[activity, idea]与(與)某物一致 (yǔ mǒuwù yīzhì) (Comput) 与(與)某物兼容 (yǔ mǒuwù jiānróng)
1 (adjective)
Definition
consistent
Free enterprise, he argued, was compatible with Russian values and traditions.
Synonyms
consistent
These new goals are not consistent with the existing policies.
in keeping
consonant
congenial
congruent
The interests of landowners were by no means congruent with those of industrial capitalists.
reconcilable
congruous
accordant
agreeable
Opposites
inappropriate
,
contradictory
,
unfitting
,
inapt
2 (adjective)
Definition
able to exist together harmoniously
She and I are very compatible – we're interested in all the same things.
Synonyms
like-minded
the opportunity to mix with like-minded people
harmonious
the most harmonious European Community summit for some time
in harmony
in accord
of one mind
of the same mind
en rapport (French)
Opposites
unsuitable
,
incompatible
,
unharmonious
Additional synonyms
in the sense of congenial
Definition
having a similar disposition or tastes
Synonyms
compatible,
fit,
suitable,
adapted,
sympathetic,
like-minded,
well-suited,
kindred
in the sense of congruent
Definition
agreeing or corresponding
The interests of landowners were by no means congruent with those of industrial capitalists.
Synonyms
compatible,
agreeing,
according,
consistent,
identical,
coinciding,
corresponding,
conforming,
concurrent,
congruous
in the sense of harmonious
Definition
showing agreement, peacefulness, and friendship
the most harmonious European Community summit for some time