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

“What is being negotiated hasn’t been vetted by many people for loopholes,” Maybarduk told me.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In an open letter to the prime minister on Monday ahead of his Washington visit, Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre urged Carney to "negotiate a win".

Read more on BBC

"There's nothing to negotiate. Just reopen the government," she said.

Read more on BBC

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, accused Democrats of not being serious about negotiating, and holding out over a deal "to get political cover".

Read more on BBC

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, however, has been adamant that he will not negotiate on pay and, instead, his team have kept the talks centred on working conditions, exam fees, rotas and career progression.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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