different between masterful vs versatile

English

Alternative forms

• masterfull (archaic)

Etymology

From Middle English maysterful, maistrefull, equivalent to master +? -ful.

Adjective

masterful (comparative more masterful, superlative most masterful)

1. Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.

   The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful.

2. In the manner of a master; very skillful.

   The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best.

3. Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
   • 1847, Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, Chapter 14, Rochester to Jane by the fire:

     ...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful, abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated...

   • 1868-69, Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, Chapter 38:

     When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.

   • 1908, E. M. Forster, A Room with a View, Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:

     ...it was that he is so masterful. I found that he wouldn't let me go my own way.

Usage notes

Historically, definition 3 of masterful (authoritative, domineering) has long been losing ground to definitions 1 and 2 (masterly, skillful). In nineteenth century US usage of masterful, definition 3 was almost always meant (10:1). In contemporary US usage, however, the situation is reversed: definitions 1 or 2 are usually meant (10:1).

Derived terms

• masterfully
• masterfulness

Related terms

• masterly

Anagrams

• streamful

English

Etymology

From Latin vers?tilis (“turning easily”), from vers?tus, past participle of vers? (“I turn, change”), frequentative of vert? (“I turn”).

Pronunciation

• (General American, Canada) IPA^(key): /?v?s?tl?/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?v??s?ta?l/, [?v??s?ta??]

Adjective

versatile (comparative more versatile, superlative most versatile)

1. Capable of doing many things competently.
2. Having varied uses or many functions.
3. Changeable or inconstant.
4. (biology) Capable of moving freely in all directions.
5. (BDSM) Being a switch; capable of taking either a dominant or a submissive role.
   • 2004, "queenchaser1158", Horny Versatile TV/TS Wanted in Phoenix (on newsgroup alt.personals.gay)
6. (gay slang) Capable of taking either a penetrative (top) or receptive (bottom) role in anal sex.

Derived terms

• versatility

Translations

Further reading

• versatile in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• versatile in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• versatile at OneLook Dictionary Search

Anagrams

• levirates, relatives

French

Etymology

From Latin vers?tilis.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /v??.sa.til/

Adjective

versatile (plural versatiles)

1. versatile; easily changeable
2. indecisive

Derived terms

• versatilité

Further reading

• “versatile” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

Italian

Etymology

From Latin versatilis, from versare (“to turn, to twist”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ver?sa.ti.le/

Adjective

versatile (plural versatili)

1. versatile
2. all-round, all around, multiskilled

Derived terms

• versatilità

Anagrams

• laveresti, rilevaste, rivaleste, rivelaste, servitela, versateli

Latin

Adjective

vers?tile

1. nominative neuter singular of vers?tilis
2. accusative neuter singular of vers?tilis
3. vocative neuter singular of vers?tilis

Romanian

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /versa?tile/

Adjective

versatile f pl or n pl

1. nominative feminine plural of versatil
2. accusative feminine plural of versatil
3. nominative neuter plural of versatil
4. accusative neuter plural of versatil