versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

free trade versus protection

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Abbreviating Versus

In a number of areas the English language is possessed of an embarrassment of riches, with multiple synonyms or abbreviations for a word. One such case is versus, which is often written in a shortened form. You may choose between vs, vs., and v. Take care, when writing the word out in full, that you distinguish between versus (a preposition meaning “against”) and verses (“lines of metrical writing”).

Examples of versus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Preparing For Value Stocks To Make A Comeback Market breadth increased toward the end of 2024, giving many value stocks a boost versus their growth counterparts. —Jacob Wolinsky, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

Rancho Bernardo stunned No. 3 San Marcos, 12-5 to move not the semis Wednesday versus La Costa Canyon. —Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

However, the loss prevention head said, in the meeting Stewart mostly tried to focus on the trespassing versus his officer’s behavior. —Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 18 Feb. 2025

The most recent consumer price index showed inflation trended higher than expected in January, rising 0.5% month-over-month versus the Dow Jones estimate calling for a 0.3% rise. —Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, towards, against, from Latin, adverb, so as to face, from past participle of vertere to turn

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

versus

preposition

ver·​sus ˈvər-səs  -səz 

1

: against sense 1a

the champion versus the challenger

2

: in contrast to or as the alternative of

the tastiness of store-bought versus homemade cookies