Almost-Compatible
Complete compatibility is never found between people. Compatibility is more like a social ideal. Kurt Vonnegut Jr. used the word "duprass" to describe a married couple that is inseparable. Often compatibility fluctuates depending on the situation, and so there is an average or general level of compatibility, as well as a situational or contingent compatibility. Things, or people, or ideas can interact with like or dissimilar objects in more or less compatible ways.
Types/Categories
1. Interpersonal: Two people might get along most of the time. Two people might get along to a great degree. (They speak it the same language. They have synergic objectives.)
2. Inter-group: Two nations, or many nations might get along most of the time. The merger of two companies might be accretive. (They speak the same language. The use the same technology. They have synergic objectives.)
3. Ideally/Ideologically: Two ideas or ideologies can often be found to be complementing each other, or riding the same wave, or working toward the same almost-ends.
4. Physically: Size. Shape. Color. Number. Chemistry. Manufacturer. (In enzyme action and cross-breeding this is important.)
Examples
Often we don't find the absolute perfect tool for the job, and sometimes we need to hammer the thing down with the heel of a shoe (for example).
In fashion, using almost-complementary patterns and shapes is a way of being different while still getting away from "the suit" idea.
More Examples of close compatibility:
