Words / B2

VURS-uh-s/ˈvɜːsəs/

Versus means against, used for two sides in a match, case, or comparison (often vs): phones versus notes; R v Smith in law. Against is everyday; compared with is the essay twin. The motion was phones versus handwritten notes. Mix-up: verses are lines of a poem (already elsewhere). Do not write versus for “and”.

Meaning

Against; used to show two sides in a match, case, or comparison (often written vs).

Examples

• “The debate motion was phones versus handwritten notes in Year 12.”
• “The fixture listed City versus United, which is the sport sense.”

Good to know

A versus B; vs (abbreviation). Everyday: against. Trap: verses. Debates, sport, and law. Two sides, not a list.

Near in meaning

against

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