compromise

Where does the word "compromise" come from? It comes from Latin compromissum, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

Compromise’s story begins in Latin: compromissum meant “mutual promise.” 'com-' plus 'promittere', to promise. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as compromis. An agreement to accept an arbiter's decision. It reached English by 1400s as compromise. The sense 'lower standards' dates from the 1600s. Today, compromise means an agreement by mutual concession.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient compromissum "mutual promise", 'com-' plus 'promittere', to promise.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval compromis "arbitration", an agreement to accept an arbiter's decision.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s compromise "arbitration", the sense 'lower standards' dates from the 1600s.