versatile

Where does the word "versatile" come from? It comes from Latin vertere, passing through Latin before entering English (1600s).

Versatile’s story begins in Latin: vertere meant “to turn.” The root of 'verse', 'version' and 'convert'. Within Latin, it grew into versatilis by ancient. Turning easily, capable of turning to varied subjects, from vertere. It reached English by 1600s as versatile. Settled as the English word for something adaptable to many uses or skills. Today, versatile means able to adapt to many different functions, uses, or skills.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient vertere "to turn", the root of 'verse', 'version' and 'convert'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient versatilis "turning easily, capable of varied uses", turning easily, capable of turning to varied subjects, from vertere.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s versatile "adaptable to many different uses or skills", settled as the English word for something adaptable to many uses or skills.