Words / B2

KOMPR-uh-myz/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

A compromise is an agreement in which each side gives up something: reach a compromise, a compromise solution. Deal is everyday and looser; trade-off is close when you name what is lost. Compromise is also a verb (compromise on price; compromise your principles — risk them). In speech, meet in the middle is the picture. A compromise is not a win; do not sell a climb-down as a compromise if only one side moved.

Meaning

An agreement in which each side gives up something.

Examples

• “They reached a compromise after a long meeting.”
• “They reached a compromise: shorter lessons, but an extra week of term.”
• “She would not compromise on safety, even to keep the timetable pretty.”

Good to know

A middle-way agreement. Verb: compromise on. Everyday: meet in the middle. Close: trade-off. Also: put principles at risk.

Near in meaning

trade-off

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