Compromise
'kɒmprəmaɪz
Definitions
3 meaningsTo reach an agreement where each side concedes something to settle a dispute or reach a mutually acceptable solution.
'kɒmprəmaɪz
To settle a dispute by mutual concession.
They compromised on the project deadline to finish it on time.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend both want the last slice of pizza. To compromise, you might agree to split it in half. You both get some, even if it's not as much as you wanted!
👶 For kids: To agree by giving up something to get something else.
More Examples
The union and management compromised on the terms of the new contract.
To settle the argument, we decided to compromise and both do a bit of what we wanted.
How It's Used
"The two parties had to compromise to pass the bill."
"We compromised on the price to close the deal."
An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
'kɒmprəmaɪz
An agreement reached by mutual concessions.
The compromise was the only way to end the disagreement.
💡 Simply: When you share the last cookie with your sibling, that's a compromise! It's the thing you agree on after you can't decide what to do.
👶 For kids: An agreement where both people give up some of what they want.
More Examples
The two sides finally reached a compromise after hours of negotiation.
The company was able to reach a favorable compromise with its employees.
How It's Used
"The settlement was a compromise that satisfied both parties."
"We're looking for a compromise to resolve the contract dispute."
To put at risk or make vulnerable; to weaken or reduce the quality of something.
'kɒmprəmaɪz
To endanger or undermine someone's reputation or integrity.
The scandal could compromise the politician's career.
💡 Simply: If you tell a secret you promised to keep, you compromise a friendship. You put it at risk!
👶 For kids: To make something bad or risky.
More Examples
The security flaw could compromise the entire system.
Speaking up about her secret, she knew that it could compromise her standing in the community.
How It's Used
"His actions could compromise his reputation."
"The security breach could compromise sensitive data."
Idioms & expressions
to compromise oneself
To do something that damages your reputation or integrity; to put oneself in a vulnerable or embarrassing position.
"He felt he would compromise himself if he accepted the bribe."
compromise and settle
A phrase used to illustrate that a settlement can be reached if all parties agree to find a middle ground
"The mediator encouraged the parties to compromise and settle the case."
From French *compromettre*, from Italian *compromettere*, from Latin *compromittere* 'to promise mutually,' from *com-* 'together' + *promittere* 'to promise'.
The word has been used since the 17th century, initially in the sense of mutual agreement and later to include the sense of risking something valuable.
Memory tip
Think of a 'promise' (part of the word) to each other, where both sides agree to give up a little to get something.
Word Origin
"to promise mutually"