What does compromising mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

(verb) /ˈkämprəmɪs/

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

to accept or agree to give up some of what you want or desire in order to achieve a settlement or an agreement

Examples

The parties involved in the negotiation were willing to compromise on some issues to reach an agreement.
Compromising on the price ensured that the deal was done without any further delays.

Synonyms

Concede
Give in
Find common ground

Antonyms

Hold out
Refuse
Stand firm

Etymology

The word “compromise” comes from the Old French “compromettre”, meaning “to engage oneself”, and is derived from the Latin “promittere”, meaning “to throw or send forward”.

Usage Notes

Compromising is often used in professional and business settings, but it is also applicable in personal relationships and everyday life. When compromising, it’s essential to prioritize communication and active listening to ensure a mutually beneficial agreement.

Cultural References

The concept of compromising has been explored in various forms of media, such as films and television shows. For example, in the movie “The Negotiator” (1998), the main character, played by Samuel L. Jackson, must negotiate a compromise between two rival factions.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Meet in the middle” (to compromise) and “To yield” (to compromise) are common idiomatic expressions related to compromising.

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases closely related to compromising include “negotiation”, “settlement”, “agreement”, and “conciliation”.

Collocations

Common collocations with compromising include “to some extent”, “on certain issues”, and “in terms of priorities”.

Frequency of Use

Compromising is a frequently used term in modern language, especially in professional and business settings, as it is a crucial aspect of effective communication and negotiation.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of compromising include “compromisingly”, “compromis”, and “compromisely”.