LINK / CITE ADD TO WORD LIST. noun. The definition of a compromise is when two sides give up some demands to meet somewhere in the middle. An example of compromise is a teenager wanting to come home at midnight, while their parent wants them to come home at 10pm, they end up agreeing upon 11pm.
Promise. A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something. As a noun promise means a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something. As a verb it means to commit oneself by a promise to do or give. It can also mean a capacity for good, similar to a value that is to be realized in the near future.
Ken's promise is noncontractual. Ken's promise will be enforced against him based upon the doctrine of promissory estoppel. Ken promises not to foreclose on a mortgage that he holds on an office complex that Christopher owns. In reliance on this promise, Christopher expends $200,000 to remodel the complex.