compatible
gb/kəmpˈætəbəl/ us/kəmpˈætəbəl/
B1
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Able to exist or work together
Able to be used or exist with someone or something without problems.
Usage pattern:
[something] is compatible with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'compatible' with 'similar'. Two things can be different but still compatible if they work well together.
Synonyms
harmonious (Emphasizes agreement and smooth interaction, often in personal relationships.)
|
well-matched (Informal; stresses suitability between two people or things.)
Antonyms
incompatible (Direct opposite; unable to work or exist together successfully.)
Collocations
compatible with
|mutually compatible
|fully compatible
|compatible partner
Themes
relationships
|technology
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
- They discovered they were highly compatible as business partners.
- Make sure the charger is compatible with your phone model.
- These two ideas are not compatible in practice.
- The team members are compatible in their working styles.
Learner examples
- This printer is compatible with my laptop.
- My phone is not compatible with this app.
- We are compatible because we like the same things.
- This game is compatible with older consoles.
Grammar
Dictionary form
compatible
IPA
GB/kəmpˈætəbəl/
US/kəmpˈætəbəl/
Syllables & stress
com - pat - ible (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pat)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: compatible
- Comparative: compatibler
- Superlative: compatiblest
Word family
Forms
compatibler
adjective
compatiblest
adjective
Core family
compatibility
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
incompatible
adjective B2
incompatibility
noun
Advanced or less common
compatibly
adverb
incompatibly
adverb
Expressions
compatible with
1/kəmpˈætəbəl wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Able to work or exist with something
Used to say that two things can be used together or exist together without problems.
Examples
- This keyboard is compatible with most tablets.
- Her schedule is not compatible with early morning meetings.
mutually compatible
1/mjˈut͡ʃuəli kəmpˈætəbəl/
fixed phrase
Both able to work well together
Used when two things can both work well together without problems.
Examples
- The two systems are mutually compatible, so you can use them together.
- They found that their goals were mutually compatible.