Is this sentence correct?
- Ester cannot go to the opera in Santa Cruz because of a previous compromise.
The short answer is no. “Compromise” means “compromiso” only in the sense of (sentido de) mutual agreement (acuerdo mutual o arreglo). Compromise does not mean obligation, engagement, guarantee or awkward position or situation (una situación embarazosa o delicada).
Here is the correct version of the sentence:
- Ester cannot go to the opera because of a previous engagement.
Here we have some correct examples of the use of “compromise”:
- Mr. Rivera and Mr. Rajoy tried to reach a compromise (…intentaron llegar a un acuerdo).
- Mr. Rajoy has refused to compromise on the issue of pay (Mr. Rajoy ha negado a hacer concesiones en el tema de los salarios).
- The management did not reach a compromise with the trade unions (la dirección no llegó a un compromiso con los sindicatos laborales).
