compromised

IPA/ˈkɒm.prə.maɪz/
KK[kˈɑmprəmˌaɪzd]IPA/ˈkɑːm.prə.maɪz/

compromised — verb

  • compromisedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • compromiseds3rd person singular
  • compromiseding-ing form
  • compromisededpast simple

1. to accept less than you first wanted, or to change your view, so both sides can

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to accept less than you first wanted, or to change your view, so both sides can agree.

例句

After two hours, Emre and Sana compromised on a later train.

compromise on [issue]

The landlord wanted more rent, but Noa would only compromise at $950.

compromise at [amount]

同義詞
  • settle

    is broader and can describe reaching any final agreement

  • meet halfway

    highlights both sides giving up part of what they wanted

  • give way

    often suggests one side bends more than the other

反義詞
  • refuse

    shows no willingness to move from your position

  • hold firm

    emphasizes keeping the same demand or opinion

文法句型

compromise with [someone]

compromise on [issue]

compromise at [amount]

用法筆記

Usually used when two people or groups each give something up to reach a deal. The most common patterns are compromise with someone and compromise on something.

常見錯誤

❌They compromised each other after dinner.
✅They compromised with each other after dinner.
💡this sense is intransitive and normally needs with or on to show the negotiation.
❌We compromised the price to $50.
✅We compromised at $50.
💡when the final agreed amount is named, English usually uses at instead of a direct object.

2. to create a real risk of harm, damage, or failure for something important.

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to create a real risk of harm, damage, or failure for something important.

例句

Wet paint near the steps could compromise children's safety at the library.

compromise safety

Leaking the witness list might compromise the police investigation.

同義詞
  • endanger

    focuses strongly on the possibility of harm

  • undermine

    often suggests gradual weakening rather than immediate risk

  • jeopardize

    is slightly more formal and common in warnings

反義詞
  • protect

    means keeping something safe from harm

  • safeguard

    stresses active protection of something valuable

文法句型

compromise safety

compromise the investigation

compromise the quality of [something]

用法筆記

The object is usually something that needs protection, such as safety, quality, privacy, or an investigation. It often appears in warnings about choices that could weaken or endanger results.

常見錯誤

❌We compromised the meeting time.
✅We compromised on the meeting time.
💡use sense 1 when two sides agree on a middle choice.
❌The rude email compromised Maya.
✅The rude email embarrassed Maya.
💡this sense is about putting safety, quality, or success at risk, not ordinary embarrassment.

3. to let your principles or standards slip so that they are no longer as strong or

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to let your principles or standards slip so that they are no longer as strong or honest.

例句

Hannah refused to compromise her values for a faster promotion.

compromise your principles or values

The paper compromised its standards by printing unchecked rumors.

同義詞
  • betray

    is stronger and suggests acting against a value you should protect

  • abandon

    focuses on giving up a standard completely

  • lower

    is common when the object is standards or expectations

反義詞
  • maintain

    means keeping the same standard or principle

  • uphold

    emphasizes actively keeping a moral or professional standard

文法句型

compromise your principles

compromise standards

compromise yourself by [doing something]

用法筆記

This sense is about moral or professional standards, not physical danger. It often appears with values, principles, standards, integrity, or with compromise yourself by doing something.

常見錯誤

❌He compromised with his principles.
✅He compromised his principles.
💡this sense is transitive and takes the principle or standard as its object.
❌The rain compromised our values.
✅The rain compromised our safety.
💡weather can put something at risk, but it does not lower your moral standards.

compromised — adjective