Page 65 - WEBSTER Essential vocabulary

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Essential Vocabulary
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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 comprehensive survey should test the mood of the voters on many differ-
ent issues.
• Hailee has a comprehensive mind, which allows her to grasp ideas in their
entirety.
• Carrying comprehensive insurance 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 Compromise permitted Missouri to enter the Union as a slave
state and Maine to enter as a free state.
•A compromise is 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 compromise my 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 compulsion to seek out chocolate ice cream, despite the rather
late hour.
• The subpoena was compulsion enough for Bill to show up.
• The news junkie watched one news broadcast after another, unable to
shake the compulsion to 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 concept of 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 concept of a Vietnamese theme restau-
rant and lounge.
[Syn. idea]