compatible
compatible — adjective
1. describes two or more people who get along well because their personalities, int
describes two or more people who get along well because their personalities, interests, or lifestyles suit each other; also describes general qualities, ideas, or substances that can exist or work together without causing conflict — for example, a couple who share the same life goals, or two chemicals that do not react dangerously when mixed.
Ravi and his roommate are very compatible because they both enjoy quiet evenings.
compatible with [person]: describes a harmonious relationship
The flexible working hours at Rohan's firm made his schedule compatible with his child's school pick-up times.
compatible with [noun phrase]: work-life balance scenario
The pale grey paint on the walls was perfectly compatible with the dark wooden furniture.
Diego and his partner discovered they were perfectly compatible after years of friendship.
Bleach and ammonia are not compatible and must never be mixed together.
- harmonious
more formal, emphasises a pleasing lack of conflict in relationships or sound
- well-matched
focuses on suitability for a specific pairing, such as partners or opponents
- like-minded
limited to people who share the same opinions or values
- consistent
applies to ideas, actions, or statements that do not contradict each other
- incompatible
the direct opposite in all contexts
- mismatched
especially of people or pairs that do not suit each other
文法句型
compatible + with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Always takes the preposition 'with', never 'to'. This sense covers two main contexts: (a) people who get along because they share similar values or interests, and (b) non-living things — ideas, substances, systems — that coexist or operate without conflict.
常見錯誤
2. describes a computer, piece of software, or other electronic device that can con
describes a computer, piece of software, or other electronic device that can connect to or operate together with another specific system or machine — for example, a printer that works with both Windows and Mac computers, or a video game that runs on a particular games console.
This printer is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
compatible with [device/OS]: technical interoperability
Not all phone chargers are compatible with every brand of mobile device.
The new video game is only compatible with the latest gaming console.
The Watanabe family checked that their tax software was compatible with the latest macOS update before filing their return.
Leila discovered that her old headphones were not compatible with the new smartphone.
- interoperable
formal tech term; two systems that exchange data smoothly
- incompatible
devices or software that cannot work together
文法句型
compatible + with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in technology support contexts and product specifications. The subject is typically a device, component, or piece of software; the object introduced by 'with' is the system it connects to.
常見錯誤
compatible — noun
1. a product — for example, a printer cartridge, a memory chip, or a software progr
a product — for example, a printer cartridge, a memory chip, or a software program — that is designed to work with another specific system, and is often a cheaper alternative to the original brand-name item.
The clinic ordered a compatible ink cartridge for its laser printer instead of the brand-name one.
compatible as countable noun: cheaper third-party alternative
This ink cartridge is a compatible, not the original brand.
Dr. Okafor insisted on using only certified compatibles for the hospital's ultrasound machines to keep the warranty valid.
The customer chose a compatible rather than paying double for the original brand.
- third-party product
clearer but longer; a compatible made by a company other than the original manufacturer
- aftermarket part
used for car or machine components, more specific
- original part
the brand-name item made by the original manufacturer
用法筆記
Usually appears in plural form ('compatibles') in retail and technical contexts. The word often implies a non-brand (third-party) product that works as a substitute for the original manufacturer's item.