# negotiate

/nəˈɡoʊʃiˌeɪt/ (US) · /nɪɡˈəʊʃɪˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/negotiate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to reach an agreement

verb · CEFR B2

to talk with someone to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics.

For teachers: to confer with others to reach a compromise or formal agreement. Often used intransitively with 'with' or transitively with the agreement as the object.

- The union is meeting today to negotiate with the company for better pay.
- The diplomats worked through the night to negotiate a ceasefire that both nations could realistically support without losing face.

Usage: Often takes the preposition 'with' (the person) or 'for' (the goal).

### 3. to transfer a document

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to transfer a legal document, like a cheque, to another person so they can use it.

For teachers: to transfer a bill, draft, or other negotiable instrument to another person by delivery or endorsement.

- The bank will negotiate the cheque once you have signed the back of it.
- The commercial paper was negotiated to a third party, effectively transferring all rights of payment to the new holder.

## Examples

- I need to negotiate a better price for the car.
- The union leaders met with management to negotiate a new contract regarding safer working conditions and higher pay.
- Skilled diplomats must negotiate with patience, balancing the immediate needs of their constituents against the long-term stability of international relations to ensure a sustainable peace treaty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.