Comprise vs. Compromise — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Comprise" means to include or contain parts of a whole, while "compromise" involves making concessions or adjustments between differing parties or ideas.
Difference Between Comprise and Compromise
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Comprise" is used to express that one thing includes all the parts or elements that make up a whole, indicating inclusion without suggesting parts are separate. On the other hand, "compromise" refers to an agreement where each party gives up something to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
"Comprise" should not be confused with "compose," as it signifies the whole consisting of parts, whereas "compromise" often requires a balance or adjustment, suggesting a negotiation process.
In formal writing, "comprise" maintains a clear, specific use, denoting the full composition of something. In contrast, "compromise" is about reaching a middle ground, often used in social, political, and personal contexts.
The integrity of an entity is maintained when stated to be comprised of various elements, while compromise might imply a weakening or dilution of original positions due to the adjustments made.
Usage of "comprise" is typically more straightforward and factual, focusing on the elements within a whole, whereas "compromise" involves a dynamic of change and adaptation, highlighting relational dynamics.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To include, contain all parts of
To settle a dispute by mutual concession
Usage in Sentence
Used factually and descriptively
Used in negotiations and agreements
Connotation
Neutral, complete inclusion
Often involves sacrifice or change
Common Contexts
Academic, descriptive writing
Social, political, relational contexts
Part of Speech
Verb (transitive)
Noun, verb
Compare with Definitions
Comprise
Comprise indicates completeness.
The book collection comprises novels from every continent.
Compromise
Compromise is necessary in relationships.
Successful marriages often involve compromise.
Comprise
Comprise suggests a whole made up of components.
The course comprises lectures, workshops, and exams.
Compromise
Compromise means to settle differences by mutual concession.
They reached a compromise after long discussions.
Comprise
Comprise means to include all parts or elements.
The United States comprises 50 states.
Compromise
Compromise involves adjustment of extremes to find a middle way.
The bill passed as a result of political compromises.
Comprise
Comprise is formal and specific.
The building comprises ten floors of offices.
Compromise
Compromise can be both a noun and a verb.
They made a compromise; they compromised on the issue.
Comprise
Comprise is used to describe the makeup of something.
The committee is comprised of experts from various fields.
Compromise
Compromise can weaken positions in negotiations.
Each side made compromises to finalize the agreement.
Comprise
To be composed of or contain
The staff comprises eight physicians, two dozen nurses, and various administrative people.
Compromise
To compromise is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of their demand. In arguments, compromise is a concept of finding agreement through communication, through a mutual acceptance of terms—often involving variations from an original goal or desires.
Comprise
Usage Problem To compose; make up; constitute
The countries and territories that comprised the British Empire.
Compromise
An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions
Eventually they reached a compromise
The secret of a happy marriage is compromise
Comprise
(transitive) To be made up of; to consist of (especially a comprehensive list of parts).
The whole comprises the parts.
The parts are comprised by the whole.
Compromise
Settle a dispute by mutual concession
In the end we compromised and deferred the issue
Comprise
To compose; to constitute.In the passive voice, the use of of with comprise (is/are comprised of) may be regarded as tautological because the same meaning can be expressed in the active (comprises) without of, or with composed of, which is both synonymous and non-tautological (since compose in this sense always requires of).
The whole is comprised of the parts.
The parts comprise the whole.
Compromise
Expediently accept standards that are lower than is desirable
We were not prepared to compromise on safety
Comprise
To contain or embrace.
Our committee comprises a president, secretary, treasurer and five other members.
Compromise
Bring into disrepute or danger by indiscreet, foolish, or reckless behaviour
Situations in which his troops could be compromised
Comprise
(patent law) To include, contain, or be made up of, defining the minimum elements, whether essential or inessential to define an invention.
Compromise
A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions.
Comprise
To comprehend; to include.
Comprise much matter in few words.
Friendship does two souls in one comprise.
Compromise
The result of such a settlement.
Comprise
Be composed of;
The land he conquered comprised several provinces
What does this dish consist of?
Compromise
Something that combines qualities or elements of different things
The incongruous design is a compromise between high tech and early American.
Comprise
Include or contain; have as a component;
A totally new idea is comprised in this paper
The record contains many old songs from the 1930's
Compromise
A weakening or reduction of one's principles or standards
A compromise of morality.
Comprise
Form or compose;
This money is my only income
The stone wall was the backdrop for the performance
These constitute my entire belonging
The children made up the chorus
This sum represents my entire income for a year
These few men comprise his entire army
Compromise
Impairment, as by disease or injury
Physiological compromise.
Compromise
To arrive at a settlement by making concessions.
Compromise
To reduce the quality, value, or degree of something, such as one's ideals.
Compromise
To expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
A secret mission that was compromised and had to be abandoned.
Compromise
To reduce in quality, value, or degree; weaken or lower
Don't compromise your standards.
Compromise
To impair, as by disease or injury
An immune system that was compromised by a virus.
Compromise
To settle by mutual concessions
A dispute that was compromised.
Compromise
The settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions.
Compromise
A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender.
A compromise of character or right
Compromise
(computer security) A breach of a computer or network's rules such that an unauthorized disclosure or loss of sensitive information may have occurred, or the unauthorized disclosure or loss itself.
Compromise
(ambitransitive) To bind by mutual agreement.
Compromise
To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
Compromise
(intransitive) To find a way between extremes.
Compromise
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.
Compromise
(transitive) To cause impairment of.
Compromise
(transitive) To breach (a security system).
They tried to compromise the security in the computer by guessing the password.
Compromise
A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators.
Compromise
A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme demands or rights, resulting in an agreement.
But basely yielded upon compromiseThat which his noble ancestors achieved with blows.
All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.
An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions.
Compromise
To bind by mutual agreement; to agree.
Laban and himself were compromisedThat all the eanlings which were streaked and piedShould fall as Jacob's hire.
Compromise
To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound.
The controversy may easily be compromised.
Compromise
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.
To pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances.
Compromise
To agree; to accord.
Compromise
To make concession for conciliation and peace.
Compromise
A middle way between two extremes
Compromise
An accommodation in which both sides make concessions;
The newly elected congressmen rejected a compromise because they considered it `business as usual'
Compromise
Make a compromise; arrive at a compromise;
Nobody will get everything he wants; we all must compromise
Compromise
Settle by concession
Compromise
Expose or make liable to danger, suspicion, or disrepute;
The nuclear secrets of the state were compromised by the spy
Common Curiosities
Does "compromise" have a negative connotation?
It can imply sacrifice or loss in certain contexts, but it is generally seen as a necessary part of effective negotiation.
How is "comprise" typically used in sentences?
It is used to specify the parts that make up a whole, often in formal or descriptive contexts.
What does "comprise" mean?
Comprise means to contain or include all parts, making up a whole.
Can "comprise" and "compose" be used interchangeably?
No, "compose" is to make up a whole, whereas "comprise" indicates including all parts as a whole.
Is "comprise" used in passive form?
Yes, "comprise" can be used in the passive form as "is comprised of," though some style guides advise against this usage to maintain clarity and directness.
Is it correct to say "comprised of"?
While "comprised of" is commonly used, many grammarians consider it incorrect or redundant. The preferred usage is simply "comprises" or "is composed of."
What is a common use of "compromise"?
Compromise is commonly used in discussions where parties adjust their demands to reach an agreement.
What are some synonyms for "compromise"?
Synonyms for "compromise" include conciliation, settlement, agreement, and middle ground.
In what contexts is "comprise" most appropriately used?
"Comprise" is most appropriately used in academic and formal writing to describe the elements that make up a whole, such as in scientific descriptions and organizational structures.
Can "compromise" be viewed positively?
Yes, "compromise" can be viewed positively as it often leads to solutions that satisfy all parties involved in a conflict, demonstrating flexibility and cooperation.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Characterisation vs. Characterization
Next Comparison
Municipality vs. CityAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
