renegotiate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, primarily used in professional, legal, and political contexts.
Quick answer
What does “renegotiate” mean?
To negotiate something again in order to change the original terms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To negotiate something again in order to change the original terms.
To revise or modify the conditions of an existing agreement, contract, or arrangement through renewed discussion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British English sometimes hyphenates ('re-negotiate') in older or more formal texts, while American English prefers the solid form. Spelling differences (e.g., 'negotiate') follow regional norms.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of a formal, often high-stakes process. In political contexts (e.g., Brexit), it can be associated with national sovereignty.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects, heavily tied to business, law, and international relations.
Grammar
How to Use “renegotiate” in a Sentence
renegotiate [object]renegotiate [object] with [person/organisation]renegotiate the terms of [agreement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “renegotiate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The union voted to renegotiate their pay deal.
- We may need to re-negotiate the contract if costs rise.
- The government is under pressure to renegotiate the trade agreement.
American English
- The studio will renegotiate the actor's contract for the sequel.
- They had to renegotiate the loan with the bank.
- The company wants to renegotiate its lease for the downtown office.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form directly from 'renegotiate'.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form directly from 'renegotiate'.]
adjective
British English
- [No common adjective form. Use 'renegotiated' as participle adjective: 'The renegotiated terms were more favourable.']
American English
- [No common adjective form. Use 'renegotiated' as participle adjective: 'The renegotiated deal saved the project.']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The supplier asked to renegotiate the delivery schedule due to supply chain issues.
Academic
Post-colonial scholars argue that former colonies sought to renegotiate their relationships with imperial powers.
Everyday
After getting a promotion, he decided to renegotiate his mortgage with the bank.
Technical
The protocol allows nodes to dynamically renegotiate encryption parameters during a session.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “renegotiate”
- Confusing with 'reneg' (to go back on a promise). Incorrect: 'They decided to reneg the contract.' Correct: 'They decided to renegotiate the contract.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while common in legal/business contexts, it can be used for any formal arrangement (e.g., relationships, roles, loans).
The main noun is 'renegotiation'. Less commonly, 'renegotiating' can be used as a gerund.
Not necessarily. It can be a cooperative process due to changed circumstances, though it often involves one party seeking better terms.
No, it's a transitive verb. Use 'renegotiate something', not 'renegotiate about something'.
To negotiate something again in order to change the original terms.
Renegotiate is usually formal, primarily used in professional, legal, and political contexts. in register.
Renegotiate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriː.nɪˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriː.nɪˈɡoʊ.ʃi.eɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a strongly idiomatic word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + NEGOTIATE. You NEGOTIATE once, but if things change, you must do it RE (again).
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENTS ARE STRUCTURES (that can be rebuilt or renovated).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest in meaning to 'renegotiate'?