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compromiso

kom-proh-MEE-soh/kom.pɾoˈmi.so/

commitment, obligation

Also: responsibility, engagement
NounmA2
A person carefully watering a small, vibrant green sapling planted in fertile ground, symbolizing dedication and commitment to growth.

📝 In Action

Mi compromiso con este trabajo es total.

A2

My commitment to this job is total.

Lo siento, no puedo ir, tengo un compromiso familiar esta noche.

B1

I'm sorry, I can't go, I have a family obligation tonight.

Adquirimos el compromiso de reducir los residuos plásticos.

B2

We took on the commitment to reduce plastic waste.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • obligación (obligation)
  • deber (duty)
  • dedicación (dedication)

Antonyms

  • desinterés (lack of interest)

Common Collocations

  • cumplir un compromiso – to fulfill a commitment
  • adquirir un compromiso – to take on a commitment

engagement

Also: betrothal
NounmB1
Two hands, one larger and one smaller, gently holding each other, with a simple engagement ring visible on the smaller hand's ring finger, signifying a promise to marry.

📝 In Action

Celebraron su compromiso con una gran fiesta.

B1

They celebrated their engagement with a big party.

Ella lleva un hermoso anillo de compromiso.

B1

She wears a beautiful engagement ring.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • promesa de matrimonio (promise of marriage)

Common Collocations

  • anillo de compromiso – engagement ring
  • anunciar el compromiso – to announce the engagement

compromise

Also: middle ground, arbitration
NounmB2formal
Two distinct figures standing opposite each other, shaking hands over a perfectly balanced scale, symbolizing a fair agreement reached through compromise.

📝 In Action

Después de horas de debate, finalmente llegaron a un compromiso.

B2

After hours of debate, they finally reached a compromise.

La nueva ley es un compromiso entre los intereses del gobierno y los ciudadanos.

C1

The new law is a compromise between the interests of the government and the citizens.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • acuerdo (agreement)
  • mediación (mediation)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • llegar a un compromiso – to reach a compromise

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: compromiso

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'compromiso' is used in the sentence: 'El político mostró un gran compromiso social.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
comprometer(to commit; to compromise (verb)) — Verb
comprometido(committed; engaged (adjective)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
sumisoindeciso
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin *compromissum*, which was the past participle of *compromittere*, meaning 'to promise mutually' or 'to submit to arbitration.' This origin explains why the word carries the double meaning of a personal promise (commitment) and a mutual agreement (compromise).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: compromessoFrench: compromis

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'compromiso' the same as 'compromised' in English (meaning exposed or weakened)?

No, that is a common false friend! While 'compromiso' means 'commitment' or 'agreement,' the English sense of something being 'compromised' (like security being weakened) is translated in Spanish as 'estar en riesgo' (to be at risk) or 'poner en peligro' (to endanger).

How do I say 'I am committed' using this word family?

You would use the adjective form: 'Estoy comprometido/a' (I am committed). If you mean committed to a cause, you might say 'Tengo un compromiso firme con...' (I have a firm commitment to...).