negotiate

[ni-goh-shee-eyt]

verb (used without object)

negotiated, negotiating 

1. to deal or bargain with another or others, as in the preparation of a treaty or contract or in preliminaries to a business deal.

verb (used with object)

negotiated, negotiating 

1. to arrange for or bring about by discussion and settlement of terms.

   to negotiate a loan.

2. to manage; transact; conduct.

   He negotiated an important business deal.

3. to move through, around, or over in a satisfactory manner.

   to negotiate a difficult dance step without tripping: to negotiate sharp curves.

4. to transfer (a draft, promissory note, etc.) to a new owner by endorsement and delivery or by delivery.

   Synonyms: transmit, convey

negotiate

/ nɪˈɡəʊʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to work or talk (with others) to achieve (a transaction, an agreement, etc)

2. (tr) to succeed in passing through, around, or over

   to negotiate a mountain pass

3. (tr) finance

   1. to transfer (a negotiable commercial paper) by endorsement to another in return for value received

   2. to sell (financial assets)

   3. to arrange for (a loan)

Other Word Forms

• negotiator noun
• prenegotiate verb
• unnegotiated adjective
• well-negotiated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of negotiate¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin negōtiātus “traded,” past participle of negōtiārī “to do business, trade,” verb derivative of negōtium “business,” from nec, neg- “not” ( neglect ( def. ) ) + ōtium “leisure”

Word History and Origins

Origin of negotiate¹

C16: from Latin negōtiārī to do business, from negōtium business, from nec not + ōtium leisure

Example Sentences

Here are the main negotiated outcomes, and the voluntary commitments, made during the summit attended by nearly 200 nations:

Read more on Barron's

Kyiv politely but firmly pushed back and over several weeks negotiated more equitable terms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But it's a sour end for more than 80 countries, who negotiated through the night to keep stronger fossil fuel language in the deal.

Read more on BBC

Then, in 2028, the first batch of negotiated prices for some Part B drugs is set to go into effect.

Read more on MarketWatch

“It also gives him more room to negotiate with big powers—U.S., China, and even Israel—on his own terms.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• agree 
• arrange 
• confer 
• consult 
• debate 
• haggle 
• handle 
• mediate 
• settle 
• work out