Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person or firm that acts as an intermediary, arranging transactions between a buyer and a seller for a commission or fee: A broker facilitates deals, especially in areas like finance, real estate, or insurance, without taking ownership of the goods or assets.
   • A dealer in second-hand goods: (Less common) A person who buys and sells used items.

2. Verb:

   • To arrange or negotiate the terms of a deal or contract: To act as an intermediary between parties to facilitate an agreement or transaction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I contacted a real estate broker to help me find a new apartment.
  • The stockbroker executed the trade on behalf of his client.
• Verb:
  • They brokered a peace agreement between the two warring factions.
  • She successfully brokered a deal to merge the two companies.

Advanced Usage

• "to broker a deal/agreement/truce": To negotiate and arrange a specific arrangement or settlement.
  • The diplomat was sent to broker a ceasefire.
• "power broker": A person who exerts influence by controlling votes or manipulating political situations.
  • He is a key power broker in the state's politics.

Variants and Related Words

• Brokerage (n): The business or service of a broker; a firm that acts as a broker.
  • She works for a large brokerage downtown.
• Brokered (adj): Arranged or negotiated by a broker.
  • It was a brokered convention, requiring multiple rounds of voting.

Synonyms

• Noun: Agent, intermediary, mediator, dealer, middleman, factor.
• Verb: Negotiate, arrange, mediate, facilitate, settle.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• "To broker in": (Less common) To deal or trade in a particular commodity.
  • The firm brokers in government bonds.

Related Idioms

• "Honest broker": A neutral mediator who is fair and trustworthy in negotiations.
  • The United Nations attempted to serve as an honest broker in the conflict.

Noun

1. a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission

Verb

1. act as a broker