negotiating
UK: nɪˈɡəʊʃieɪtɪŋ | US: nɪˈɡoʊʃieɪtɪŋ
v. (present participle of negotiate)
- To discuss or bargain with others to reach an agreement.
- To navigate or maneuver through a complex situation.
The word negotiating traces back to Latin negotiari ("to carry on business"), derived from negotium ("business," literally "not leisure"). The morpheme neg ("not") combines with otium ("leisure"), reflecting the Roman view of business as the opposite of idleness. Over time, negotiate evolved to emphasize the act of discussion or bargaining, retaining its core idea of purposeful activity. The suffix -ing marks its present participle form.
The diplomats spent hours negotiating the peace treaty.
She is skilled at negotiating contracts for her clients.
They are still negotiating the terms of the merger.
Negotiating traffic during rush hour can be stressful.
He avoided negotiating with the opposing team directly.