English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
prep

versus

VUR-suhs
prep
1
Against, or in opposition to, especially in a contest, match, or legal case.
"Tonight's match is Brazil versus Argentina."
"The court case was recorded as Smith versus Jones."
2
Used to compare one option or idea directly with another.
"The debate came down to cost versus quality."

How to Use Versus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed to set two things, sides, or ideas directly against or opposite each other.

UK vs US

Often abbreviated to "vs" or "v" in both British and American usage, especially in sport and law.

Common pairings
home versus away renting versus buying

Word Forms

versused past tense, versuses singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “versus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Tonight's match is Brazil _____ Argentina.

Etymology

From Latin versus, "turned toward, facing", the past participle of vertere, "to turn".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial