Etymology Inherited from Middle English compatible, fron Anglo-Norman compatible, from Medieval Latin compatibilis (“in compatibile beneficium, a benefice which could be held together with another one”), from Late Latin compator (“to suffer with”), from com- (“together”) + pati (“to suffer”); see passion.
1
Capable of working together without conflict.
This printer isn't compatible with my computer.
2
Able to get along well.
My neighbours and I are not very compatible: they're loud and I'm an introvert.
3
Consistent; congruous.
His actions were compatible with his sermons.
She was like a Beardsley Salome, he had said. And indeed she had the narrow eyes and the high cheekbone of that creature, and as nearly the sinuosity as is compatible with human symmetry.1921, Ben Travers, chapter 1, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC:
Etymology Inherited from Middle English compatible, fron Anglo-Norman compatible, from Medieval Latin compatibilis (“in compatibile beneficium, a benefice which could be held together with another one”), from Late Latin compator (“to suffer with”), from com- (“together”) + pati (“to suffer”); see passion.