'compatible' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'compatibilis,' where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'pati' meant 'to suffer or endure.'

'compatibilis' transformed into the French word 'compatible,' and eventually became the modern English word 'compatible' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'able to suffer together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'able to exist or occur together without conflict.'