What does negotiate mean?
To negotiate is to seek an agreement through discussion, usually when there are competing interests or disagreements. The word is especially common in business, law, politics, labor relations, and diplomacy, as in negotiating a contract, negotiating peace, or negotiating with a supplier. It can also have a broader meaning: someone negotiates a difficult situation or route by managing obstacles and changing conditions. Negotiation is generally viewed as a constructive activity because it involves compromise, persuasion, or careful discussion rather than force. The related adjective negotiable means capable of being changed or settled through discussion, while negotiation names the process itself. Although the word can sometimes suggest bargaining or political maneuvering, its central meaning is purposeful discussion aimed at resolving a matter or reaching a workable arrangement.
verbTo discuss matters in order to reach an agreement, especially in a business, legal, political, or diplomatic context. It can also mean to successfully deal with or overcome difficulties, obstacles, or changing conditions.
- Discuss matters in order to reach an agreement, especially in business, law, politics, or diplomacy.
- Successfully manage or overcome difficult conditions, obstacles, or changes.
- Arrange or obtain something through discussion or bargaining.
"The two sides negotiated a new agreement after several days of difficult talks."
"Management and the union negotiated a new wage agreement."
"The pilot negotiated the storm by adjusting the aircraft's altitude."
"The committee negotiated a longer deadline for the proposal."
Negotiation is where disagreement becomes a path to agreement: the word's history is rooted in the idea of conducting business.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does negotiate come from?
The English word comes through Middle English from Old French négocier and Latin negotiari, meaning 'to conduct business' or 'to deal.' Its root is Latin negotium, meaning 'business, occupation, or transaction.' Over time, the sense developed from carrying out dealings to discussing matters in order to reach agreement. The modern verb therefore reflects both the practical activity of bargaining and the broader idea of managing a relationship or situation through discussion.
Related word forms
How negotiate is actually used
The word is widely used in formal and professional contexts, especially for discussions involving contracts, prices, disputes, diplomacy, and public policy. In its broader sense of overcoming difficulties, it is somewhat less formal and often metaphorical.