Compatibility
/kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti/
Definitions
The ability of two or more things to exist or function together without problems.
/kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti/
The state or fact of being compatible.
The compatibility of the new printer with my computer was excellent.
💡 Simply: It's like how well things go together. If your phone is compatible with your headphones, they'll work perfectly together. If two friends are compatible, they get along really well.
👶 For kids: How well things fit together, like puzzle pieces that match.
More Examples
There is a high degree of compatibility between their personalities.
How It's Used
"The software's compatibility with older operating systems is questionable."
"Their compatibility as a couple was evident from their shared values."
From Middle French compatibilité, from Latin compatibilis, from compatiri "to suffer together", from com- "together" + pati "to suffer". The modern sense developed from the idea of things being able to coexist or work together without conflict.
While the word existed earlier, its modern usage related to technology and relationships became prevalent in the latter half of the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think 'com' (together) + 'pat' (agree) + 'ibility' (capable of).