bargain
UK[ˈbɑːɡən]US[ˈbɑːrɡən]
n
something bought for less than its usual price
n
an agreement between two people or groups in which each promises to do something
v
to discuss the conditions of a sale, agreement, etc. in order to get the best deal for yourself
Etymology
the word 'bargain' entered english from old french in the 14th century, carrying the core meaning of a commercial transaction involving negotiation. its deeper roots trace back to a germanic source, likely frankish, which influenced the romance languages. the original germanic sense involved concepts of borrowing and pledging, which evolved in the french context to focus on the act of haggling over terms. this journey from a pledge to a negotiated deal explains the modern dual meanings of a favorable purchase and a mutual agreement.
Analysis
the word 'bargain' is a simplex form. it originates from the old french 'bargaigne', meaning 'haggling, business transaction'. the old french term likely came from a frankish source related to old high german 'borgan', meaning 'to borrow, lend, pledge'.
Examples
i managed to get a real bargain on this coat during the sale.
after lengthy discussions, they finally struck a bargain.
you can often bargain with vendors at the local market.