modus vivendi
Practical coexistence agreement
Modus vivendi is a Latin phrase meaning "way of living," used in English to describe a practical arrangement that allows parties with differences to coexist peacefully.
It suggests compromise without full agreement—a workable truce rather than a resolution: After years of conflict, the neighbors reached a modus vivendi about the property line.
The phrase often appears in diplomatic and legal contexts.
- truceAgreed halt to hostilities
- way of lifeHabitual manner of living
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- middle groundPosition between extremes
living arrangement · common ground · give and take · accord · peaceful coexistence · understanding · détente · settlement · manner · accommodation · lifestyle · reconciliation · live and let live · concession · pragmatism · tacit agreement · mutual understanding · armistice
- political dealsaccord, compromise, pact, treaty, bargaining
- compromisecompromise, middle ground, meet halfway, give and take, give-and-take
- diplomacy termsprotocol, treaty, accord, pact, agreement
- Concordatsconcordat, Lateran Treaty
modus vivendiconfrontation
Direct hostile encounter
antagonism · belligerence · cold war · strife · enmity
modus vivenditreaty
Binding pact between nations
final settlement · final solution · binding contract · closure
modus vivenditotal breakdown
rupture · severance · estrangement · schism · intransigence