compatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "compatible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the sense of two or more entities being able to function together or exist in harmony, or to describe something that can be used together with something else. Example sentence: Mary and John are very compatible; they get along well and share many common interests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These acts are not merely compatible with liberalism – they are a necessary condition for any society that is free in its culture as well as in its laws and institutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

That test, it will be argued, is not compatible with article 2 of the European convention which protects the right to life.

The Guardian

The US government and its listeners have not advanced any convincing argument that what they do is compatible with the morality of freedom, US constitutional law or international human rights.

The Guardian - Tech

"Once you are using servers that are not compatible with the rest of world and maintained by federal agencies, you are offering an unidentified number of our homegrown spies a chance to spy on you," he said.

The Guardian

However, innovation and regulation have not always been easily compatible.

The Guardian

Those can be compatible with both Android and iPhones through suitable apps, or with any platform via Bluetooth.

The Guardian - Tech

He added: "If people draw the conclusion that that this is a country that would rather stick to a business a usual approach rather than building a low-carbon growth model compatible with [temperature rises of] 2C, no one should be surprised".

The Guardian

Step by step, this carefully guided analysis produces a sentence compatible with legislation and appropriate to the five purposes of sentencing: punishment, protection of the public, deterrence, reform and rehabilitation and reparation to the public.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also makes Scheme more portable, because you can just distribute object code to compatible systems.

The Guardian

The judgment said: "For a life sentence to remain compatible with article 3 there had to be both a possibility of release and a possibility of review".

The Guardian

If the UK were to make concrete proposals to amend its rules on access to benefits, the commission would have to scrutinise those proposals to make sure they were fully compatible with free movement of workers, rights of residence and social security co-ordination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications, ensure you clearly state what the item is "compatible" with to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "compatible" when you mean "suitable". "Compatible" implies the ability to function together, while "suitable" implies appropriateness for a specific purpose. For example, a dress might be suitable for a party, but a software version is compatible with an operating system.

Linguistic Context

The word "compatible" primarily functions as an adjective used to describe whether two or more things can exist or work together. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a state of harmonious coexistence or functional coordination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compatible" serves as a versatile adjective indicating the ability of different elements to function together effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's crucial to use it accurately in both formal and informal settings, especially when describing technical specifications, relationships or systems. While commonly used, writers should avoid confusing "compatible" with "suitable". As seen through numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "compatible" is a common term across various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-matched

Highlights the suitability of two or more things to one another.

suited

Highlights appropriateness for a specific purpose or condition.

harmonious

Emphasizes a pleasing or congruent arrangement.

fitting

Highlights the quality of being suitable or appropriate.

congruent

Focuses on agreement or correspondence, often in a more formal context.

in agreement

Highlights alignment or consensus.

consistent

Highlights the lack of contradiction and coherence.

in tune

Emphasizes a state of agreement or harmony, often used metaphorically.

workable

Focuses on the practicality of things functioning together.

matching

Focuses on similarity and likeness.

FAQs

How to use "compatible" in a sentence?

The adjective "compatible" describes the ability of two or more things to exist or work together without conflict. For example, "This software is "compatible with" Windows 10".

What can I say instead of "compatible"?

You can use alternatives like "harmonious", "congruent", or "consistent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "compatible with" or "compatible to"?

"Compatible with" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Compatible to" is rare and typically considered less precise.

What's the difference between "compatible" and "suited"?

"Compatible" implies that two things can function together effectively, while "suited" suggests something is appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose. "These parts are "compatible with each other"", but "This attire is suited for a formal event".