Definition

1. Noun:

   • An advantageous purchase: An item bought for less than its usual or perceived value.
   • An agreement between parties: A mutual understanding, typically reached through negotiation, that sets the terms of a deal or exchange.

2. Verb:

   • To negotiate the terms of a deal: To discuss details such as price or conditions to reach an agreement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • I found a real bargain at the thrift store—a designer dress for only ten dollars.
  • After hours of discussion, the two companies finally struck a bargain.

• Verb:

  • We bargained with the vendor until we agreed on a fair price for the car.
  • Tourists often enjoy bargaining for souvenirs in the local market.

Advanced Usage

• "into the bargain": In addition; as an extra benefit.

  • The job was interesting, and it was close to home into the bargain.

• "drive a hard bargain": To negotiate very firmly to get the most favorable terms.

  • Be careful when negotiating with her; she drives a hard bargain.

• "bargain for/on": To expect or anticipate (often used in negative constructions).

  • The software update caused more problems than we had bargained for.

Variants and Related Words

• Bargaining (n): The process of negotiating the terms of a deal.

  • Collective bargaining is essential for union workers.

• Bargainer (n): A person who negotiates or bargains.

Synonyms

• Noun (purchase): Steal, deal.
• Noun (agreement): Pact, deal, arrangement.
• Verb: Haggle, negotiate, dicker.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bargain away: To lose or give up something valuable through a poor agreement.

  • The country was accused of bargaining away its environmental protections for economic gain.

• Bargain for/on: To expect or count on something (as shown in Advanced Usage).

Related Idioms

• A bargain basement price/rate: An extremely low price.

  • They're selling last season's models at a bargain basement price.

• More than one bargained for: Something more difficult, problematic, or extensive than expected.

  • Taking care of the puppy was more work than she had bargained for.

Noun

1. an advantageous purchase
   • she got a bargain at the auction
   • the stock was a real buy at that price
2. an agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each
   • he made a bargain with the devil
   • he rose to prominence through a series of shady deals

Verb

1. come to terms; arrive at an agreement
2. negotiate the terms of an exchange
   • We bargained for a beautiful rug in the bazaar