Main Entry: ne·go·ti·ate

Pronunciation: \ni-ˈgō-shē-ˌāt, ÷-sē-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ne·go·ti·at·ed; ne·go·ti·at·ing

Etymology: Latin negotiatus, past participle of negotiari to carry on business, from negotium business, from neg- not + otium leisure — more at negate

Date: 1599

intransitive verb : to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some mattertransitive verb 1 a : to deal with (some matter or affair that requires ability for its successful handling) : manage b : to arrange for or bring about through conference, discussion, and compromise <negotiate a treaty>
2 a : to transfer (as a bill of exchange) to another by delivery or endorsement b : to convert into cash or the equivalent value <negotiate a check>
3 a : to successfully travel along or over <negotiate a turn> b : complete, accomplish <negotiate the trip in two hours>

— ne·go·ti·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun

— ne·go·ti·a·to·ry \-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē, ÷-sē-\ adjective