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

His successor Ranil Wickremesinghe managed to negotiate a bailout package worth $3bn with the International Monetary Fund - but many Sri Lankans continue to feel economic hardship.

From BBC

He has not yet given specifics on how he would negotiate the war's end beyond saying he would help the two countries strike a deal.

From BBC

Jurors at Woolwich Crown Court heard the fake document said the British government was not willing to negotiate over her release after she was detained in Iran for six years.

From BBC

He has promised to negotiate an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine even before his inauguration — and his other statements suggest he would do so by demanding that Ukraine surrender chunks of its territory.

From Los Angeles Times

Manager Dave Roberts will also be returning for his 10th season, and is expected to negotiate an extension with the club this offseason with his current deal set to expire at the end of 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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