versus

[vur-suhs, -suhz]

preposition

1. against (used especially to indicate an action brought by one party against another in a court of law, or to denote competing teams or players in a sports contest).

   Smith versus Jones; Army versus Navy.

2. as compared to or as one of two choices; in contrast with: v., vs.

   traveling by plane versus traveling by train.

versus

/ ˈvɜːsəs /

preposition

1. v.  vs. (esp in a competition or lawsuit) against; in opposition to

2. as opposed to; in contrast with

Word History and Origins

Origin of versus¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English, from Latin: literally, “towards,” i.e., “turned so as to face (something), opposite, over against,” originally past participle of vertere “to turn”; verse

Word History and Origins

Origin of versus¹

C15: from Latin: turned (in the direction of), opposite, from vertere to turn

Example Sentences

“I think it needs to be made part of the plan as to what percentage of the housing at the home is going to be transitional housing versus permanent housing versus housing for the veterans that are being treated while they are going through all their different procedures including psychological, physical and everything else,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

As one gambling expert, Isaac Rose-Berman, a fellow at the American Institute for Boys and Men, put it: “Alcohol stores don’t give you a coupon for a free drink if you’ve taken a week off drinking. But they’re a modern technology company. They know everything about you: when you log in, what’ll induce you to gamble … It used to be man versus vice. Now it’s man versus vice combined with a billion-dollar tech company. That’s not a fair fight.”

From Slate

A relatively low supply of scrap steel in China, versus demand, has slowed the rollout of electric arc furnaces there, according to some analyses.

From BBC

“The toll of taking four or five at-bats versus pitching five innings, there’s no comparison,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Pro tip: Tasting menu costs $85 if you’re dining solo, versus $75 per person if ordered by a party of two or more, due to whole fish being served.

From Salon