'compromise' originates from the Latin word 'compromissum', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'promittere' meant 'to promise'.

'compromissum' transformed into the Old French word 'compromis', and eventually became the modern English word 'compromise'.

Initially, it meant 'a mutual promise or agreement', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'settling differences by mutual concessions'.