Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics.
   • To successfully travel along or over a difficult path or obstacle.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To confer with others to reach terms or compromise.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Transitive - Discussion):

  • The union will negotiate a new contract with management.
  • Countries negotiate trade deals to benefit their economies.

• Verb (Transitive - Overcoming):

  • The driver skillfully negotiated the sharp curve in the road.
  • She negotiated the final steps of the climb with care.

• Verb (Intransitive):

  • We are willing to negotiate.
  • The two sides have been negotiating for weeks.

Advanced Usage

• "Negotiate terms": To discuss and agree upon the specific conditions of a deal.

  • Before signing, it's crucial to negotiate the terms of your employment.

• "Negotiate a settlement": To reach an agreement to resolve a dispute, often legally.

  • The parties decided to negotiate a settlement out of court.

Variants and Related Words

• Negotiation (n): The process of negotiating.

  • The negotiation lasted several days.

• Negotiable (adj): Open to discussion or modification.

  • The price is negotiable.

• Negotiator (n): A person who conducts negotiations.

  • She is a skilled negotiator.

Synonyms

• Bargain: To negotiate the terms of a transaction.
• Confer: To have discussions; to exchange opinions.
• Mediate: To intervene between parties to reconcile differences.
• Navigate: To plan and direct a route (similar to the 'overcoming' sense).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Negotiate for: To try to obtain something through discussion.

  • They are negotiating for better working conditions.

• Negotiate with: To hold discussions with a specific party.

  • You will need to negotiate with the landlord directly.

Related Idioms

• Negotiate a minefield: To deal with a complex situation full of hidden problems.

  • Starting a new business can be like negotiating a minefield.

• Negotiate from a position of strength/weakness: To conduct discussions while having a strong (or weak) advantage.

  • It's always better to negotiate from a position of strength.

Verb

1. succeed in passing through, around, or over
   • The hiker negociated the high mountain pass
2. discuss the terms of an arrangement
   • They negotiated the sale of the house