Compromise Meaning
/ˈkɒmpɹəˌmaɪz/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.
nounA committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender.
Sentence Examples
We arrived at a compromise.
We have no choice but to compromise.
After lengthy talks the two sides finally reached a compromise.
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CEFR Practice Quiz
To reach an agreement, both sides need to ____ on some terms.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French compromis, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin compromissum (“a compromise, originally a mutual promise to refer to arbitration”), prop. neuter of Latin compromissus, past participle of compromittere (“to make a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter”), from com- (“together”) + promittere (“to promise”); see promise.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But basely yielded upon compromise / That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows."
— 1595 December 9 (first known performance), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Richard the Second”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, (please specify the act number in uppercase Roman numerals, and the scene number in lowercase Roman numerals):
"All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter."
— 1775, Edmund Burke, Conciliation with America:
"An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions."
— 1827, Henry Hallam, The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"That's the nature of compromises. They truly satisfy no one."
— 2021 June 30, Philip Haigh, “Regional trains squeezed as ECML congestion heads north”, in RAIL, number 934, page 53:
"I was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the compromise of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them."
— 1823, Charles Lamb, Modern Gallantry:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
To reach an agreement, both sides need to ____ on some terms.