negotiate

[ ni-goh-shee-eyt ]

verb (used without object)

, ne·go·ti·at·ed, ne·go·ti·at·ing.

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)

, ne·go·ti·at·ed, ne·go·ti·at·ing.

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)

Derived Forms

• neˈgotiˌator, noun

Other Words From

• ne·goti·ator noun
• prene·goti·ate verb prenegotiated prenegotiating
• unne·goti·ated adjective
• well-ne·goti·ated 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

“But it gives us a platform to negotiate from. There is a hard but achievable path ahead in the final hours - and that is what we are focusing on.”

From BBC

Not only was its negotiating style markedly different to previous years, but he also observed that, as he puts it, “China could be stepping forward.”

From BBC

They negotiate drug prices with manufacturers on behalf of insurers, process prescription claims, and manage formularies — insurers' lists of covered drugs.

From Salon

“This is to some extent a negotiating dance,” said George Hay, a Cornell University law professor and antitrust expert.

From Los Angeles Times

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are all negotiating with the company and often the Indian government at the same time.

From New York Times

Related Words

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