comprehensive (KOM pri HEN siv) adj. 1. dealing with all or many of the rele-
vant details; inclusive; 2. able to understand fully; 3. a type of property insurance
covering many risks in the same policy
•A comprehensivesurvey should test the mood of the voters on many differ-
ent issues.- Hailee has a comprehensivemind, which allows her to grasp ideas in their
entirety. - Carrying comprehensiveinsurance that will cover scratches and malicious
mischief on your car is rarely recommended for older vehicles.
[-ly adv., -ness n.]
compromise (KOM pri MYZ) n.1. a settlement in which each side gives up
something to reach a middle ground; 2. an adjustment of opposing principles, sys-
tems, etc. by modifying some aspects of each; the result of such an adjustment; 3.
something midway between two others in quality, position, etc.; 4. a baring of
one’s reputation to danger, suspicion, or disrepute —vt.1. to settle or adjust by con-
cessions on both sides; 2. to lay open to danger, suspicion, or disrepute; 3. to weak-
en one’s principles, ideals, etc. to expedite things - The Missouri Compromisepermitted Missouri to enter the Union as a slave
state and Maine to enter as a free state.
•A compromiseis the result of two sides coming together to close the dis-
tance between them. - Joe was on the extreme right, Debbie was on the extreme left, and Mike
compromised,midway between them. - Being seen with you might cause my reputation to be compromised.
- If we all compromise,we’ll be out of here a lot sooner.
- Do you expect me to compromisemy principles just to get us out of here in
a shorter time?
[-d, compromising]
compulsion(kuhm PUHL shin) n.1. being forced; being coerced; constraint; 2.
something that forces; 3. an irresistible irrational impulse to perform an act - Jane felt a compulsionto seek out chocolate ice cream, despite the rather
late hour. - The subpoena was compulsionenough for Bill to show up.
- The news junkie watched one news broadcast after another, unable to
shake the compulsionto stay informed.
[compulsive, compulsory adj., compulsorily adv.]
concept (KON sept) n. 1. an idea or thought, especially one of an abstract
nature; 2. an original idea, design, or concept; 3. a central unifying idea or theme - The automaker had a conceptof what the car of the future should look like
and be able to do. - Given the job to create a perfect building for milking cows, the architect
sketched out a few concepts. - The décor was in keeping with the conceptof a Vietnamese theme restau-
rant and lounge.
[Syn. idea]
56 Essential Vocabulary