Compatible means able to exist, work, or be used together without conflict or problems. It can describe people, ideas, or machines that fit well together.
From Late Latin *compatibilis* “sympathetic, capable of existing together,” from *compati* “to suffer with,” from *com-* “with” + *pati* “to suffer.” The idea is of things that can ‘go through experiences together’ without clashing.
Originally, compatibility was about emotional harmony—being able to ‘suffer with’ someone. Now we use it for everything from software to star signs, but the core idea is the same: can these two things handle life side by side?
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