Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   compromise

   /ˈkɒmprəmʌɪz/

   noun

   • 1. an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions: "eventually they reached a compromise" Similar agreementunderstandingsettlementtermsaccommodationdealtrade-offbargainhalfway housemiddle groundmiddle coursehappy mediumbalancemodus vivendigive and takeconcessioncooperationOpposite intransigence
   • ▪ an intermediate state between conflicting alternatives reached by mutual concession: "a compromise between the freedom of the individual and the need to ensure orderly government"
   • 2. the expedient acceptance of standards that are lower than is desirable: "sexism should be tackled without compromise"

   verb

   • 1. settle a dispute by mutual concession: "in the end we compromised and deferred the issue" Similar meet each other halfwayfind the middle groundcome to termscome to an understandingmake a dealmake concessionsfind a happy mediumstrike a balancegive and takeinformal:split the difference
   • 2. expediently accept standards that are lower than is desirable: "we were not prepared to compromise on safety"
   • ▪ weaken or harm by accepting standards that are lower than is desirable: "he won't accept any decisions which compromise his principles" Similar undermineweakenbe detrimental todamageinjureharmdo harm toprejudicebe prejudicial tojeopardizeendangerimperilbring into disreputereflect badly onput in a bad lightdiscreditdishonourbring shame toshameembarrass
   • 3. bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet, foolish, or reckless behaviour: "situations in which his troops could be compromised"
   • ▪ cause to become vulnerable or function less effectively: "yo-yo dieting can compromise your immune system"

   Word Origin late Middle English (denoting mutual consent to arbitration): from Old French compromis, from late Latin compromissum ‘a consent to arbitration’, neuter past participle of compromittere, from com- ‘together’ + promittere (see promise).

   Derivatives

   • 1. compromiser noun

   Scrabble Points: 18

   • C

     3

   • O

     1

   • M

     3

   • P

     3

   • R

     1

   • O

     1

   • M

     3

   • I

     1

   • S

     1

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Dictionaries

   More definitions, origin and scrabble points