Compromise
noun
- a settlement of a dispute in which two or more sides agree to accept less than they originally wanted
- something that somebody accepts because what was wanted is unattainable
- exposure to danger or disgrace
verb
- to settle a dispute by agreeing to accept less than what was originally wanted
- to undermine or devalue something or somebody by making concessions
- to expose somebody or something to danger or risk
Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
It is interesting that the third definition for compromise is “presenting danger or disgrace.” I never thought of compromise as inherently dangerous. Compromising on techniques, timing, dinner plans, house design, selecting a school for your kids, and where to take a vacation isn’t risky or disgraceful. It may be a matter of respecting the other person enough to try for a win-win.
However, compromising on your principles is another story. The danger is to your integrity and that is dangerous indeed!