bargaining
UK[ˈbɑːɡɪnɪŋ]US[ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ]
n
the process of discussing something with someone in order to reach an agreement, especially about the price of something
adj
used to describe a situation, process, or power that involves such discussions
Morpheme Breakdown
bargain
ing
bargain
to haggle
ing
noun/adj. suffix
Etymology
the word 'bargaining' is built upon the verb 'bargain', which entered english from old french bargaignier, meaning to haggle or chaffer. this french term is itself traced to a frankish (germanic) root, likely related to old high german borgan meaning 'to borrow' or 'to lend', reflecting the reciprocal nature of a trade. the addition of the '-ing' suffix, a productive element from old english, transforms the action into a noun denoting the process or activity itself. thus, the term's journey from a germanic concept of exchange to a modern term for formal or informal negotiation encapsulates the core activity of reciprocal proposal and counter-proposal.
Analysis
Structure: bargain (to haggle) + ing (noun/adj. suffix)
bargain (from old french bargaignier, meaning 'to haggle', of germanic origin); ing (old english suffix forming verbal nouns and present participles)
Examples
after hours of hard bargaining, the two companies finally reached a deal.
the union has considerable bargaining power in these negotiations.
he is good at bargaining when shopping at the local market.