I. com ‧ pat ‧ i ‧ ble 1 AC /kəmˈpætəb ə l, kəmˈpætɪb ə l/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ compatibility ≠ ↑ incompatibility ; adjective : ↑ compatible ≠ ↑ incompatible ]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: French ; Origin: Medieval Latin compatibilis , from Late Latin compati ; ⇨ ↑ compassion ]
1 . if two pieces of computer equipment are compatible, they can be used together, especially when they are made by different companies ⇨ compatibility :
The new software is IBM compatible (=can be used with IBM computers) .
2 . able to exist or be used together without causing problems ⇨ compatibility
compatible with
Stephen’s political views often weren’t compatible with her own.
3 . two people that are compatible are able to have a good relationship because they have similar opinions or interests ⇨ compatibility
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In everyday English, people often say that two people are (just) right for each other , because compatible sounds rather formal:
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On paper they seemed like the perfect couple, but maybe they just weren't right for each other.
II. compatible 2 BrE AmE noun [countable] technical
a piece of computer equipment that can be used in or with another piece of equipment, especially one made by a different company:
Most programs work with IBM compatibles.