compromise
Definitions
An agreement reached when each side gives up part of what it wants
妥协，折中（方案）
To settle a dispute by mutual concession
妥协，让步
To weaken, endanger, or expose something to risk
损害，危及（安全、原则等）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (together) + pro- (forward) + mise (sent, from missus) = "a mutual sending-forward of promises." Two sides once jointly pledged to accept an arbitrator's ruling. From that came today's meaning: meeting in the middle by each giving something up. The negative sense "compromise security" comes from the idea that yielding weakens and exposes.
Root miss still carries 88 more wordsWhy It Means This
Compromise hides a triple build-up: com- + pro- + the miss root. The promise sense is still visible in the related word promise (pro- + miss = "sent forward"). When two parties each send a pledge forward to meet in the middle, that is a compromise. The modern "compromise data / compromise safety" sense is a later twist: to give ground is also to leave yourself exposed.
Common Collocations
- 1.reach a compromise达成妥协
- 2.make a compromise做出让步
- 3.compromise solution折中方案
- 4.compromise security危及安全
Example Sentences
- 1.
After hours of talks, they finally reached a compromise.
- 2.
Neither side was willing to compromise on the budget.
- 3.
The leak seriously compromised the company's security.