In today's world, the word versity has two main meanings. The first of these is actually spelled "varsity" and refers to a starting sports team for a high school or college. "He's on the varsity football team," is a good example of this usage. The varsity team is usually a coveted team to play on, representing the best players which the school has to offer. Junior-varsity teams are usually next in line. Depending on the size of the school and the popularity of certain sports, several sports may have varsity teams, or there may be only one or two.
The second meaning is a slang usage, and is used most predominantly in the United Kingdom and Australia. In this context, versity is simply a shortening of the word "university," and refers to an institution of higher learning. "She's going off to 'versity next fall," is an example of how this variation could be used in conversation. 'Versity would not be used in reference to any other type of school, such as a high school or a preparatory boarding school.
Both usages have their roots in the word university. The word varsity is never used when referring to professional sports, or any type of team outside of a school setting. Although it doesn't have to refer to college or university sports solely, the word was derived from the word university years ago. Versity, the slang usage, simply cuts the "uni" off university. In fact, in many areas of the United Kingdom and Australia, "uni" is itself a slang version of the word university, and is used in the same manner as 'versity.
Although words such as "diversity," or "biodiversity" may sound as though they may be related, they are not. In fact, the word diversity has completely different roots in the English language.
The second meaning is a slang usage, and is used most predominantly in the United Kingdom and Australia. In this context, versity is simply a shortening of the word "university," and refers to an institution of higher learning. "She's going off to 'versity next fall," is an example of how this variation could be used in conversation. 'Versity would not be used in reference to any other type of school, such as a high school or a preparatory boarding school.
Both usages have their roots in the word university. The word varsity is never used when referring to professional sports, or any type of team outside of a school setting. Although it doesn't have to refer to college or university sports solely, the word was derived from the word university years ago. Versity, the slang usage, simply cuts the "uni" off university. In fact, in many areas of the United Kingdom and Australia, "uni" is itself a slang version of the word university, and is used in the same manner as 'versity.
Although words such as "diversity," or "biodiversity" may sound as though they may be related, they are not. In fact, the word diversity has completely different roots in the English language.
