modus vivendi

Definition

A way of living, especially a working arrangement to allow for peaceful coexistence between two parties in spite of differences or unresolved disputes.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin modus vīvendī, from modus (“way, manner”) + genitive gerund form of vīvere (“to live”).

Example Sentences

• "One would almost have supposed Henchard to have had policy to see that no better modus vivendi could be arrived at with Farfrae than by encouraging him to become his son-in-law."
• "The alien beings desire to know mankind more fully, and to have a few of mankind’s philosophic and scientific leaders know more about them. With such an exchange of knowledge all perils will pass, and a satisfactory modus vivendi be established."
• "The Persians were reviewing the legal systems of the subject peoples to make sure that they were compatible with imperial security, and Ezra had probably worked out a satisfactory modus vivendi between Mosaic and Persian jurisprudence."