uncompromising
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Meaning
Not willing to change your opinions or behaviour in a way that would be helpful to others.
Used to describe beliefs or principles that are very strong and not influenced by others.
Structure
Usage
She has an uncompromising attitude when it comes to quality.
The negotiators were uncompromising on their core demands.
His uncompromising integrity earned him both respect and enemies.
Etymology
The word "uncompromising" is a relatively modern English formation, built upon the older noun and verb "compromise." The core idea of "compromise" stems from the Latin compromissum, a mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision. The negative prefix "un-," of ancient Germanic lineage, is attached to reverse the meaning, indicating a refusal to make such a mutual concession. The adjectival suffix "-ing" then transforms this concept of refusal into a permanent quality, resulting in the modern sense of being inflexibly adherent to principles or demands.
Analysis
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English), meaning "not," used to form negatives. - compromise: A word of Latin origin (compromissum, from com- "together" + promittere "to promise"), functioning as the core noun/verb root meaning "a settlement of differences." - ing: A suffix of Germanic origin (Old English -ende, -ing), used here to form a participial adjective meaning "characterized by (the action of the root)."