Compromise Meaning

UK /ˈkɒm.prə.maɪz/
US /ˈkɑːm.prə.maɪz/
Word Definition
compromise meaning

Compromise Definition & Usage

noun

A mutual agreement or settlement reached by two or more parties, where each side makes concessions or compromises in order to resolve a disagreement or conflict.

Examples

  • "After hours of negotiation, they finally reached a compromise on the price of the house."
  • "The two countries agreed on a compromise after several rounds of talks."
  • "He was unwilling to compromise his principles for the sake of convenience."
  • "In relationships, compromise is key to maintaining a harmonious balance."
  • "The company had to make a compromise between quality and cost in order to meet deadlines."
verb

To make concessions or give up part of one's demands or principles in order to reach an agreement.

Examples

  • "She was willing to compromise on her ideals in order to avoid conflict."
  • "I had to compromise with my coworkers on how to approach the project."
  • "He compromised by agreeing to a less lucrative deal to keep his job."
  • "In the end, both parties compromised, and the new rules were adopted."
  • "They compromised by meeting halfway and agreed on a solution."

Cultural Context

The concept of compromise is deeply ingrained in many cultures as a critical aspect of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and maintaining social harmony. It is often viewed as a necessary tool in negotiations, both personal and professional, where both parties are willing to meet halfway in order to achieve a solution that benefits all.

The Balance of Compromise

Story

The Balance of Compromise

It was the final day of the negotiations, and a sense of tension hung in the air. Miriam sat at the large table, her fingers tapping nervously against the wood. The diplomats from both sides had spent weeks locked in heated debates, unable to find common ground. Miriam knew that compromise was the only way forward, but at what cost? She had already conceded a great deal in the earlier rounds, giving up some of her country’s demands in exchange for promises that were, at best, uncertain. Across from her, the other negotiator, a stoic man named Rafael, seemed unmoved. Miriam’s mind raced, but she reminded herself that compromise was not a weakness. It was the strength to bend without breaking, to find the middle ground. As the hours passed, they both made smaller and smaller concessions, until finally, they reached an agreement. Both sides had given up parts of their original proposals, but in doing so, they had crafted a solution that was palatable for everyone involved. Later, when Miriam walked out of the room, she felt a strange mix of relief and uncertainty. She had compromised. She had sacrificed parts of her vision, but perhaps it was the only way forward. She had made peace with it. That evening, at the press conference, Miriam stood in front of the cameras, her face a mask of professionalism. "We have reached a compromise," she said, her words calm but firm. The room filled with flashes from cameras as the world watched. Compromise. It was the word of the hour, the word that would carry the day. But Miriam knew that behind every compromise, there were costs. Still, it was the best solution they could hope for. As she left the building, the weight of the day settled over her. The deal was done. And though compromise was rarely easy, it was always necessary. In the world of negotiation, there was no victory without it.

The Balance of Compromise