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compromise

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

KK: /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

intransitive verb
Definition

To reach an agreement by each side giving up something they want.


Example

After hours of discussion, they decided to compromise on the terms of the contract.


Tense Forms

Past: compromised

Past Participle: compromised


Conversation
Sloth A
I think we need to compromise on our plans for the weekend.
Sloth B
Yeah, I agree. I want to do something fun, but we should consider your ideas too.
Sloth A
Exactly! Maybe we can mix our plans a bit and find a good balance.
Sloth B
That sounds perfect; I love it when we can compromise like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
settle
concede
yield
Antonyms
disagree
refuse
oppose
noun
Definition

An agreement reached by each side making concessions or giving up something in order to settle a disagreement.


Example

After hours of discussion, they finally reached a compromise that satisfied both parties.


Conversation
Sloth A
I think we should find a way to compromise on our plans for the weekend.
Sloth B
That sounds fair! What do you have in mind?
Sloth A
Maybe we can split the day between the beach and the park?
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To make a deal or agreement where both sides give up something they want in order to reach a solution.


Example

The two countries decided to compromise on their trade policies to avoid a conflict.


Tense Forms

Past: compromised

Past Participle: compromised


Conversation
Sloth A
I think we need to compromise on our plans for the weekend.
Sloth B
Yeah, I agree. What do you have in mind?
Sloth A
Maybe we can split the time between the concert and the movie.
Root Explanation

Compromise → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "promittere" (meaning to promise). The word describes the act of making a mutual promise or agreement between parties, often involving concessions from both sides.

Memory Tip

Think of people coming 'together' ('com-') to make a 'promise' ('promittere') to each other, which helps you remember that a compromise is an agreement reached by mutual concessions.

Visually Confused Words
uncompromised
procompromise
promise
coprose
outpromise
copromisor
Is this page helpful?
I like that idea — it's a good compromise that works for both of us!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
settlement
concession
agreement
Antonyms
disagreement
conflict
standoff
Sloth B
That sounds fair! A little bit of both would be fun.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
weaken
diminish
settle
Antonyms
strengthen
enhance
aggravate