The Open Dictionary

versus

preposition

UK/ˈvɜː.səs/
US/ˈvɝː.səs/

Definitions of versus preposition

  1. C1written abbreviation

    Used to indicate that one team or person is in competition with another.

    • Tonight's game is the Lakers versus the Celtics.

    • In this debate, our team will be competing versus the opponents.

    • She chose to compete versus the seasoned athlete in the competition.

  2. written abbreviation

    Used to denote the two parties involved in a legal case.

    • In the case of Smith versus Brown, the judge ruled in favor of Smith.

    • The case is about a contractual dispute between the plaintiff versus the defendant.

    • The lawsuit will decide the dispute between the company versus the former employee.

  3. C1written abbreviation

    Used to compare two things or ideas, especially when making a choice between them.

    • We are weighing the benefits of working from home versus working in the office.

    • We compared price versus quality when deciding whether to purchase.

    • In this poll, they will be comparing supporting new policies versus maintaining the status quo.