modus vivendi

American  

[moh-duhs vi-ven-dee, -dahy] / ˈmoʊ dəs vɪˈvɛn di, -daɪ /

noun

plural

modi vivendi

1. manner of living; way of life; lifestyle.

2. a temporary arrangement between persons or parties pending a settlement of matters in debate.

---

modus vivendi British  

/ ˈməʊdəs vɪˈvɛndiː, -ˈvɛndaɪ /

noun

1. a working arrangement between conflicting interests; practical compromise

---

modus vivendi Cultural  

1. A compromise between adversaries that allows them to get along temporarily: “During the separation, my parents adopted a modus vivendi that enabled them to tolerate each other.” From Latin, meaning a “method of living.”

---

Etymology

Origin of modus vivendi

First recorded in 1875–80, modus vivendi is from Latin modus vivendī “mode of living”

Example Sentences

Mr. Sharabi and his fellow hostages develop a modus vivendi with their captors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

Mr Deibert says that the gangs appear to have found a "modus vivendi" while they try to tear down the pillars of the state.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2024

“Not about every little issue in the relationship, but rather what are our principles? And can we somehow find a modus vivendi, not agreement, but some sort of mutual understanding?” he said.

From Washington Times • Apr. 5, 2023

Despite the desperation, deprivation and decreasing opportunities, some Kabulis have tried to preserve some vestige of their pre-Islamic Emirate existence and forge some kind of modus vivendi with the Taliban.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2022

The whole relation got to be regulated more by internal conditions than by external pressure, by a customary modus vivendi, and not by commercial and state-protected competition.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul