neˌgotiˈation
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
Formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement
The process of discussing something formally in order to make an agreement, typically involving compromise and strategic communication
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a structured, purposeful exchange with specific goals; often involves multiple parties with different interests
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; British English sometimes uses 'negotiation' more frequently in political contexts
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English; British usage may extend to informal contexts like 'negotiating with children'
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
negotiation with [person/organization]negotiation about/over [topic]negotiation between [parties]negotiation for [purpose]negotiation on [subject]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A game of negotiation”
- “At the negotiation table”
- “Negotiation in good faith”
- “Hard-nosed negotiation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The merger required six months of intensive negotiation with shareholders
Academic
The study examines cross-cultural negotiation strategies in multinational corporations
Everyday
We had a little negotiation about who would do the washing up
Technical
The protocol includes a handshake negotiation phase to establish communication parameters
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They're negotiating the terms of the contract
- We need to negotiate a better deal
American English
- Management is negotiating with the union
- Let's negotiate the price
adverb
British English
- They approached the matter very negotiationally
- He spoke negotiationally to avoid conflict
American English
- She handled it negotiationally rather than aggressively
- They proceeded negotiationally through each point
adjective
British English
- The negotiation skills workshop starts tomorrow
- She has strong negotiation tactics
American English
- He took a negotiation course last semester
- The negotiation process was transparent
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The negotiation took one hour
- They had a negotiation about the price
- The salary negotiation went well yesterday
- International negotiations continued all week
- After lengthy negotiations, both parties signed the agreement
- Effective negotiation requires good communication skills
- The delicate negotiations nearly collapsed over the last-minute amendments
- His acumen in high-stakes negotiations earned him industry-wide respect
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
NEGOtiation: Need Everyone's GOal consideration
Conceptual Metaphor
NEGOTIATION IS A JOURNEY (reaching an agreement is arriving at a destination), NEGOTIATION IS WAR (with strategies, battles, and victories)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'переговоры' for casual chats - it's specifically for formal agreements
- Don't confuse with 'обсуждение' (discussion) which is broader
- 'Веду переговоры' ≠ 'I lead negotiations' but 'I am negotiating'
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing as 'nego-SEE-ation' instead of 'nego-shee-AY-tion'
- Using 'negotiation' for simple conversations
- Forgetting it's countable (a negotiation, negotiations)
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes the essence of negotiation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While typically formal, it can describe informal discussions like 'negotiating bedtime with children'
Negotiation is broader and more formal; bargaining often focuses specifically on price and is more transactional
Yes, both countable ('a negotiation') and uncountable ('the art of negotiation') forms are correct
Stress falls on the fourth syllable: ne-go-ti-A-tion, with 'ti' pronounced as 'she' in both UK and US English