negotiate
negotiate
Pronunciation
/nɪˈɡoʊʃiˌeɪt/
ne - /nɪ/ - A consonant sound similar to "n" followed by a short vowel sound as in "bit".
go - /ˈɡoʊ/ - A consonant sound similar to "g" followed by a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds) as in "go". The stress falls on this syllable.
shi - /ʃi/ - A consonant sound similar to "sh" followed by a long vowel sound as in "see".
ate - /ˌeɪt/ - A diphthong as in "ate" followed by the consonant sound "t". This syllable receives secondary stress.
Word Form Variations
negotiate (verb): This is the base form of the word, used to describe the act of negotiating.
negotiates (verb, third-person singular present): He/She/It negotiates.
negotiated (verb, past tense and past participle): They negotiated a deal.
negotiating (verb, present participle): They are negotiating.
negotiation (noun): The process of negotiating.
negotiator (noun): A person who negotiates.
negotiable (adjective): Something that can be negotiated.
negotiability (noun): The quality of being negotiable.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb:
negotiate (v.): To discuss or bargain with another or others in order to reach a mutually agreeable settlement or compromise. It implies a process of give-and-take, often involving differing viewpoints or desired outcomes.
Synonyms: bargain, mediate, arbitrate, discuss, confer, parley, compromise, settle, transact, wheel and deal
Antonyms: refuse, reject, deny, decline, repudiate, disagree, break off (talks), stand firm
Noun:
negotiation (n.): The process or act of negotiating; discussions or dealings aimed at reaching an agreement. It can refer to a single session or an ongoing series of interactions.
Synonyms: bargaining, mediation, arbitration, discussion, conference, parley, settlement, deal-making, diplomacy, compromise
Antonyms: refusal, rejection, denial, disagreement, impasse, stalemate, breakdown (of talks)
negotiator (n.): A person who negotiates, especially one skilled in the art of reaching agreements. They often act as representatives for a group or organization.
Synonyms: mediator, arbitrator, diplomat, intermediary, representative, agent, spokesperson, dealmaker, facilitator, peacemaker
Antonyms: (Often depends on context, but can be) disputant, opponent, antagonist, instigator
Adjective:
negotiable (adj.): Open to discussion or bargaining; capable of being negotiated. Implies flexibility and a willingness to compromise.
Synonyms: adjustable, flexible, open to discussion, arguable, compromiseable, malleable, tractable
Antonyms: non-negotiable, inflexible, unchangeable, fixed, rigid, unyielding, intransigent
Adverb:
negotiably (adv.): In a manner that is open to negotiation. This usage is less common.
Synonyms: flexibly, adjustably, openly (to discussion)
Antonyms: inflexibly, rigidly, unyieldingly
Examples of Use
Verb (Negotiate):
News Article: "Union leaders are negotiating with management to avert a potential strike." (Example based on typical news reporting)
Book: "They negotiated a peace treaty after years of conflict." (Fictional example, but reflects common usage)
Online Publication: "The company is negotiating a new contract with its suppliers." (Example based on typical business news)
Public Discourse: "We need to negotiate a solution that works for everyone." (Common phrase used in discussions about social or political issues)
Noun (Negotiation):
News Article: "The negotiations between the two countries have reached a critical stage." (Example based on typical international relations reporting)
Book: "The negotiation process was long and arduous." (Fictional example, but reflects common usage)
Online Publication: "Experts discuss the key factors in successful negotiation." (Example based on articles about business or personal development)
Public Discourse: "Further negotiation is needed to resolve this dispute." (Common phrase used in discussions about disagreements)
Noun (Negotiator):
News Article: "The chief negotiator for the government expressed optimism about the talks." (Example based on typical political reporting)
Book: "She was known as a skilled negotiator, able to secure favorable deals." (Fictional example, but reflects common usage)
Online Publication: "Tips for being an effective negotiator in business." (Example based on articles about professional skills)
Adjective (Negotiable):
News Article: "The terms of the agreement are negotiable." (Example based on typical business or legal reporting)
Online Platform (e.g., online marketplace): "Price is negotiable." (Common phrase used in online sales)
General Public Discourse (Various Forms):
"Let's negotiate a better price." (Used in everyday shopping or transactions.)
"Is the salary negotiable?" (Common question in job interviews.)
"They are in negotiations for a new house." (Used in discussions about real estate.)
"He's a tough negotiator." (Used to describe someone's skill in bargaining.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Negotiate
“Never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate.” (John F. Kennedy)
“To negotiate is to listen twice as much as you speak.” (Unknown)
“Skilled diplomats negotiate terms; wise leaders negotiate futures.” (Anonymous statesman)
“Before you negotiate with others, negotiate with your own ego.” (Leadership proverb)
“Those who refuse to negotiate with truth eventually surrender to consequences.” (Modern maxim)
“A child learns to negotiate long before learning to reason.” (Psychology observation)
“You cannot negotiate with time, but you can partner with it.” (Unknown)
“Chess teaches that every move is a chance to negotiate control.” (Grandmaster’s adage)
“Revolutions begin when people can no longer negotiate with despair.” (Historian’s note)
“To negotiate well, enter the room seeking understanding, not victory.” (Negotiation principle)
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "negotiate" in a simple way.
The word "negotiate" comes from the Latin word negotiatus, which is the past participle of negōtiārī. Think of it like this: Latin words are built in layers.
Negōtium means "business" or "affair." This is the core of the word.
-or means "one who does something," so negōtiātor was someone who conducted business.
-ārī is a verb ending.
So, negōtiārī literally meant "to carry on business," "to transact," or "to manage." It implied the active process of doing business or dealing with things.
The first known use of "negotiate" in English (around the early 1600s) kept this basic meaning. It referred to carrying on business, managing affairs, or dealing with others. It wasn't necessarily about bargaining or reaching an agreement, although those ideas were likely implied. Over time, the meaning narrowed to focus more specifically on discussions aimed at reaching an agreement, especially in situations where there are different interests involved. So, while the original meaning was broader, it has evolved to primarily focus on the "give and take" of discussions leading to a resolution.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Negotiate
Idioms related to negotiation (using synonyms or related concepts):
Strike a deal: This is a very common idiom for reaching an agreement, often after some back and forth.
Hammer out an agreement: This suggests a more difficult negotiation process, requiring a lot of effort.
Come to terms (with something/someone): This can refer to reaching an agreement, often after a period of disagreement or difficulty.
Meet someone halfway: This describes a compromise where both sides give up something.
Bargain/haggle: While not idioms in themselves, these words relate to negotiation and appear in phrases like "bargain hunter" or "haggle over the price."
Play hardball: This refers to aggressive negotiation tactics.
Drive a hard bargain: Similar to "play hardball," this describes someone who is tough in negotiations.
Sweeten the deal: This means to offer something extra to make an agreement more attractive.
Seal the deal: This signifies finalizing an agreement.
Original phrases (to illustrate the concept):
"Negotiate your way out of a paper bag": This would imply someone skilled at getting what they want, even in a difficult situation. (It's an original, playing on the idea of being able to "talk your way out of anything.")
"The art of negotiation is the art of listening": This isn't an idiom, but a statement about the process. It could become a common saying if repeated enough.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of negotiate from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
