'compatible' originates from 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 exist together without conflict,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.