How to Use Negotiate: Definition & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：engage in talks (negotiate)

negotiate 🔊

/nɪˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/

To talk with someone to try to reach an agreement, such as making a deal or deciding on terms.

Negotiate meaning illustrated: two professionals discussing terms at a business meeting

engage in talks 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ɪn tɔːks/

To discuss something formally in order to reach a mutual agreement, often involving compromise.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'negotium' meaning 'business' ('neg-' not + 'otium' leisure).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine needing to 'EAT' (sounds like -ATE) a deal. You must 'NEGOTI-ATE' (negotiate) to agree on how to share the meal.

📖 Example

In a cozy café, the managers from both companies negotiate the terms of their partnership while sipping coffee. 🔊 The managers discuss and work out the details of their partnership agreement in a relaxed setting.

🔗 Collocations

negotiate a deal – To work out the terms of a formal agreement or transaction.

negotiate terms – To discuss and agree upon the specific conditions of an agreement.

negotiate a contract – To engage in discussions to settle the details of a binding legal agreement.

🔄 Synonyms

bargain (v.) – To discuss the terms of a transaction, often with a focus on price.

discuss (v.) – To talk about something in detail, typically to explore options or reach a decision.

mediate (v.) – To intervene between two parties to help them reach an agreement.

🚫 Antonyms

dictate (v.) – To lay down terms authoritatively without discussion.

impose (v.) – To force an unwelcome rule or condition upon others.

refuse (v.) – To indicate unwillingness to do something or discuss terms.

🌱 Derivatives

negotiation (n.) – The process of formally discussing something to reach an agreement.

negotiator (n.) – A person who conducts negotiations.

negotiable (adj.) – Open to discussion or modification.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'negotiari' (to carry on business). The core idea is conducting business, which inherently involves discussion and compromise. It's a cornerstone term in modern business, law, and diplomacy.