modus vivendi

UK: /ˈməʊdəs vɪˈvɛndiː/ US: (mō′dəs vi ven′dē, -dī)

Inflections of 'modus vivendi' (n): npl: modi vivendi

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mo•dus vi•ven•di  (mō′dəs vi ven′dē, -dī), pl. mo•di vi•ven•di 

(mō′dē vi ven′dē, mō′dī vi ven′dī). 
1. manner of living;
   way of life;
   lifestyle.
2. a temporary arrangement between persons or parties pending a settlement of matters in debate.

• Latin modus vivendī mode of living
• 1875–80

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

modus vivendi / ˈməʊdəs vɪˈvɛndiː -ˈvɛndaɪ/ noun ( modi vivendi / ˈməʊdiː vɪˈvɛndiː ˈməʊdaɪ vɪˈvɛndaɪ/)

1. a working arrangement between conflicting interests; practical compromise

Etymology: 19th Century: from Latin: way of living