What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polyhistoric
Example
The professor was a polyhistoric scholar, with expertise in ancient, medieval, and modern history. [polyhistoric: adjective]
Example
The museum's collection was polyhistoric, spanning centuries of art and artifacts. [polyhistoric: adjective]
versatile
Example
She was a versatile actress, able to perform in both comedic and dramatic roles. [versatile: adjective]
Example
The Swiss Army Knife is a versatile tool, with multiple functions in one compact design. [versatile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Versatile is a more commonly used word in everyday language than polyhistoric. Versatile is a versatile word itself, applicable to many contexts and areas of expertise. Polyhistoric, on the other hand, is a more specialized term that may be less familiar to most people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between polyhistoric and versatile?
Both polyhistoric and versatile can be used in formal or informal contexts, but polyhistoric may be more likely to appear in academic or specialized writing due to its specific meaning and less common usage.