noun

negotiation

nih-goh-shee-AY-shun/nɪˌɡəʊʃiˈeɪʃn/

Discussion intended to reach an agreement.

The two teams discuss a shared document during their negotiation.

Two diverse business teams work toward agreement around a table with one shared unmarked document.

Etymology

negLatinnot

+otiLatinease, leisure

+ationLatinaction or process

“Not” and “leisure” underlie the Latin idea of business as a lack of leisure. Doing business expanded to bargaining, giving negotiation its sense of discussing and arranging the terms of an agreement.

In context

TEDx Talks13:14

Let's discuss. That's a way of negotiation. It's important to find something common, common ground. That's a way of negotiation, and coming to an agreement

Mastering the art of everyday diplomacy | Alisher Faizullaev | TEDxMustaqillikSquare

More examples

Her starting salary is open to negotiation.
After weeks of negotiations, the landlord agreed to lower the rent.
The countries begin peace negotiations next month.

Forms

negotiation · negotiations

negotiate verb — Discuss terms to reach an agreement.

negotiator noun — Someone who discusses terms to reach agreement.

Similar words

bargaining: Bargaining emphasizes exchanging offers and concessions over prices or terms.
talks: Talks can explore issues without aiming for a definite agreement.
mediation: Mediation involves a neutral third party helping others reach agreement.