negotiate
Negotiate (verb) means to discuss something with others in order to reach an agreement. Example: “The union is negotiating a new pay deal with management.”
How to use negotiate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo talk things through to reach a deal, or to skilfully make your way past an obstacle.
Word forms
negotiated past tense, negotiates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They _____ for hours before agreeing on a price.
Etymology
From Latin negotiari, "to do business," from negotium ("business"), itself from nec ("not") + otium ("leisure").
Related words
Rhymes for negotiate
See all rhymes for negotiate →Frequently asked questions
What does “negotiate” mean?
The word “negotiate” means to discuss something with others in order to reach an agreement. In plain terms, to talk things through to reach a deal, or to skilfully make your way past an obstacle.
How do you pronounce “negotiate”?
“Negotiate” is pronounced nuh-GOH-shee-ayt (/nəˈɡoʊ.ʃi.eɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “negotiate” in a sentence?
Here is “negotiate” used in a sentence: “They negotiated for hours before agreeing on a price.”
What part of speech is “negotiate”?
“Negotiate” is a verb.
Where does the word “negotiate” come from?
The word “negotiate” comes from Latin. From Latin negotiari, "to do business," from negotium ("business"), itself from nec ("not") + otium ("leisure").
Is “negotiate” a common word?
“Negotiate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “negotiate” have?
“Negotiate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to discuss something with others in order to reach an agreement.
What is the difference between "negotiate" and "bargain"?
To "negotiate" is to discuss terms in order to reach an agreement, often covering many conditions and details. To "bargain" usually focuses more narrowly on haggling over a price or a single point.
What is the difference between "negotiate" and "mediate"?
When you "negotiate," you are one of the parties trying to reach a deal that benefits you. When you "mediate," you act as a neutral third party helping others reach their own agreement.
Which prepositions are used with "negotiate"?
You "negotiate with" the other party, "negotiate for" something you want to obtain, and "negotiate over" the issue or terms in dispute.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include negotiate: