Bargain

Definition

Bargain refers to an agreement between two or more parties, often involving a negotiation over terms, typically resulting in a purchase at a lower or advantageous price. As a noun, it denotes something bought or obtained at a favorable price, and as a verb, it means to negotiate or discuss the terms of a sale or transaction.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American and British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːrɡɪn/
• Respelling: BAR-gin

The pronunciation of "bargain" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "bargain" originates from the Old French term "bargaignier," meaning "to haggle" or "to make a deal," which passed into Middle English with the same meaning. Its usage evolved to denote a transaction involving negotiation and, by extension, to represent a favorable purchase.

Derivatives

• Bargainer (noun)
• Bargaining (noun/verb)
• Bargained (verb)
• Outbargain (verb, rare)
• Bargainable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Deal
• Negotiation
• Agreement

Antonyms

• Rip-off
• Overcharge
• Disagreement

Usage

The term "bargain" is used frequently in commerce and everyday language. In retail, it often refers to an item sold at a lower-than-usual price. In law and contract discussions, a bargain may refer to the terms of an agreement reached between two parties. As a verb, it implies negotiating for a better price or discussing the terms of a deal. Bargaining is common in marketplaces, sales contexts, and negotiations.

Related Terms

• Negotiation: The process of discussing terms to reach an agreement.
• Contract: A formal agreement between parties.
• Deal: An arrangement reached by two or more parties.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A favorable purchase: Refers to an item obtained at a reduced or advantageous price.
  • Example: "The store offered many bargains during the sale."
• An agreement or contract: Describes a negotiated arrangement between parties, often involving terms of sale or trade.
  • Example: "They reached a bargain on the price of the car."

Verb

• To negotiate the terms of a transaction: Involves discussing terms to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, especially regarding price.
  • Example: "She bargained with the vendor for a lower price."