comity

Main Entry:

co·mi·ty

Pronunciation:

\ˈkä-mə-tē, ˈkō-\

Definition: a state of mutual harmony, friendship, and respect, esp. between or among nations or people; civility

Here's my word for 2009.

I've spent the past week looking for the word to fit the definition I was going for. I wanted something that meant acceptance, but without compromise. Although the Latin roots are different, comity carries with it some sense of accommodation - the mutual respect part of the definition. I can accept things and people as they are without compromising who I am or what I believe. Easier said than done, I'm a little uh, stubborn sometimes.