Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To negotiate with a seller to lower the price of an item; to persuade a seller to accept a lower price than originally asked.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the specific action of haggling or negotiating a price reduction. It implies a direct interaction between a buyer and a seller, where the buyer is the active party trying to reduce the cost. The object of the verb is typically the seller or the price itself.

Examples

• Direct object (the seller): "I managed to bargain the vendor down and saved twenty dollars on the rug."
• Direct object (the price): "She tried to bargain down the price of the car before agreeing to buy it."
• With an amount: "He bargained the dealer down by $100 on the antique chair."

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb can sometimes be used in a more figurative sense to mean negotiating any starting figure or demand downward, not strictly a monetary price.
  • Example: "The union bargained the company's initial offer down to a more acceptable number."

Variants and Related Words

• Bargain (verb): To negotiate the terms of a transaction.
• Haggle (verb): To argue or negotiate, especially over a price. (A close synonym for 'bargain down').
• Negotiate down (verb phrase): A more formal synonym.

Synonyms

• Haggle
• Beat down (informal)
• Negotiate a lower price
• Chisel (informal)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bargain for/on: To expect or anticipate something (often used in negative constructions).
  • Example: "I got more work than I bargained for."
• Bargain over: To negotiate about the terms of something.
  • Example: "They spent an hour bargaining over the details of the contract."

Related Idioms

• Drive a hard bargain: To negotiate in a very determined and effective way to get a favorable deal.
  • Example: "Be careful when negotiating with her; she drives a hard bargain."

Verb

1. persuade the seller to accept a lower price
   • She beat the merchant down $100