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Compromise vs Complacent - What's the difference?

compromise | complacent |

As a noun compromise

is the settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.

As a verb compromise

is to bind by mutual agreement.

As an adjective complacent is

uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.

compromise

Noun

(en noun)
  • The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.
  • * Shakespeare
  • But basely yielded upon compromise / That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
  • * Burke
  • All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.
  • * Hallam
  • An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions.
  • A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender.
  • a compromise of character or right
  • * Lamb
  • I was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the compromise of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them.

    Verb

    (compromis)
  • (ambitransitive) To bind by mutual agreement.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Laban and himself were compromised / That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied / Should fall as Jacob's hire.
  • To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
  • * Fuller
  • The controversy may easily be compromised .
  • To find a way between extremes.
  • To pledge by some act or declaration; to endanger the life, reputation, etc., of, by some act which can not be recalled; to expose to suspicion.
  • * Motley
  • To pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances.
  • To cause impairment of.
  • To breach (a security system).
  • He tried to compromise the security in the computer by guessing the password.

    Derived terms

    * compromising (adjective )

    complacent

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
  • Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.
  • Usage notes

    * (term) should not be confused with its homophone, complaisant.

    Synonyms

    * smug * self-satisfied

    Derived terms

    * (l) * self-complacent