compromise
UK[ˈkɒmprəmaɪz]US[ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz]
n
An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
v
To settle a dispute by mutual concession.
v
To accept standards that are lower than is desirable.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
promise
com
together
promise
pledge
Etymology
The word compromise entered English in the late 15th century from the Old French compromis, which itself derived from the Latin compromissum, the neuter past participle of compromittere. This Latin verb is a compound of com- ("together") and promittere ("to send forth, promise"). The literal sense was "a mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision." The core logic is of parties coming together to make a joint promise or pledge to accept a settlement, even if it means conceding some of their original demands. Over time, the meaning broadened from this specific legal context to the general concept of finding a middle ground through mutual concession, while also developing the negative connotation of weakening one's principles.
Analysis
Structure: com (together) + promise (pledge)
- com: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with, jointly."
- promise: From Latin promissum, meaning "a promise, pledge." In this structure, it functions as the core element signifying a binding assurance.
Examples
After lengthy negotiations, they reached a compromise that satisfied both parties.
He refused to compromise his integrity for the sake of political gain.
The design is a compromise between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.