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compromise

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compromise

Main Entry:: ¹com·pro·mise
Pronunciation:: \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, from Anglo-French compromisse, from Latin compromissum, from neuter of compromissus, past participle of compromittere to promise mutually, from com- + promittere to promise — more at promise
Date:: 15th century

1 a: settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions b: something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things2: a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial <a compromise of principles>

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