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"Comprometer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to compromise", and "prometer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to promise". Learn more about the difference between "comprometer" and "prometer" below.
comprometer(
kohm
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proh
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meh
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tehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to compromise
Si no utilizas el cinturón de seguridad, comprometes tu seguridad.If you don't use a seat belt, you compromise your safety.
b. to jeopardize
Proseguir con el juicio puede comprometer las negociaciones.Continuing with the trial may jeopardize the negotiations.
c. to endanger
La construcción de una torre aquí podría comprometer la salud del bosque.Building a tower here could endanger the health of the forest.
a. to implicate
La confesión de Ricardo compromete a su jefe también.Ricardo's confession implicates his boss as well.
b. to involve
No quiero comprometerte; por eso no puedo revelarte mi secreto.I don't want to involve you; that's why I can't reveal my secret to you.
3. (to damage)
a. to spread
La infección va a comprometer los órganos vitales si no se detiene.The infection is going to spread to vital organs if it is not stopped.
b. to affect
La neumonía ha comprometido el pulmón izquierdo del paciente.Pneumonia has affected the patient's left lung.
c. to compromise
El sida es una enfermedad que compromete el sistema inmunitario de aquellos que la padecen.AIDS is a disease that compromises the immune system of those who suffer from it.
comprometerse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
a. to get engaged
Ana Paula y Raymundo se comprometieron en junio.Ana Paula and Raymundo got engaged in June.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to commit oneself
El actor se comprometió a hacer anuncios para la película.The actor committed himself to making commercials for the movie.
b. to promise
Margo se comprometió a traer las botanas a la fiesta.Margo promised to bring snacks to the party.
c. to commit to something
Firmar de recibido no te compromete.Signing to acknowledge receipt does not commit you to anything.
prometer(
proh
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meh
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tehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to predict)
a. to promise
Todos los meteorólogos prometen un día de nieve este jueves.All of the meteorologists promise there will be snow this Thursday.
b. to assure
Nuestro líder de marketing promete un aumento en ingresos este año.Our marketing lead assures an increase in revenue this year.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be promising
Esta película promete. Ha ganado muchos premios.This movie is promising. It's won lots of awards.
prometerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get engaged
Se prometieron el fin de semana pasado y se casarán el mes que viene.They got engaged last weekend and will get married next month.
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to promise oneself
Se prometió unas vacaciones en Hawaii después de acabar su licencia.She promised herself a vacation in Hawaii after finishing her degree.
