ENGLISH
REFERENCE

negotiating

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //nɪˈɡoʊʃiˌeɪtɪŋ// UK //nɪɡˈəʊʃɪˌeɪtɪŋ// ne·go·ti·at·ing

v. to have formal discussions with someone to reach an agreement. You use this when two sides want different things and need to find a middle ground.

v. to conduct formal discussions with another party to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Often implies a process of compromise and strategic communication.


SIMPLE

They are negotiating a new contract for the workers.

CONTEXTUAL

The two companies spent several weeks negotiating the terms of the merger before signing the final documents.

COMPLEX

Successfully negotiating a peace treaty requires both sides to acknowledge historical grievances while focusing on the pragmatic benefits of a shared future.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is often used transitively with an object (negotiating a deal) or intransitively with the preposition 'with'.

Pitfall

negotiating for a better price with the managernegotiating with the manager for a better priceWhen both the person and the goal are mentioned, the person usually follows 'with' immediately after the verb.

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