modus vivendi

noun

mo·​dus vi·​ven·​di ˌmō-dəs-vi-ˈven-dē How to pronounce modus vivendi (audio)
-ˌdī
plural modi vivendi ˈmō-ˌdē- How to pronounce modus vivendi (audio)
ˈmō-ˌdī-
1
: a feasible arrangement or practical compromise
especially : one that bypasses difficulties
2
: a manner of living : a way of life

Examples of modus vivendi in a Sentence

The two nations developed a modus vivendi in order to avoid war.
Recent Examples on the Web On the contrary, to get to a modus vivendi the United States will need to improve deterrence, which will involve more than just issuing threats and bolstering military capabilities. Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024 Any coexistence would be uneasy, built not primarily on trust but on credible threats and assurances—deterrence paired with steps toward a modus vivendi that both countries and peoples could live with and prosper within. Jessica Chen Weiss, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024 Director Stephen Soucy revives Merchant-Ivory’s reputation in defiance of the contemporary cultural fashion that rejects literature and the Western empire — Henry James and E. M. Forster being the source of Merchant and Ivory’s modus vivendi. Armond White, National Review, 4 Sep. 2024 For its part, China has taken an uncompromising approach, unwilling to find a modus vivendi with successive presidents of Taiwan. Bonnie S. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for modus vivendi 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modus vivendi.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, manner of living

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modus vivendi was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near modus vivendi

Cite this Entry

“Modus vivendi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20vivendi. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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