bartering
UK[ˈbɑːtərɪŋ]US[ˈbɑːrtərɪŋ]
v
exchanging goods or services for other goods or services without using money.
n
the action or system of exchanging goods or services without using money.
Etymology
the term 'barter' entered english in the late middle english period from the anglo-norman and old french verb 'barater', which carried meanings of deception, trickery, and haggling. this reflects a historical view where direct trade outside a monetary system was sometimes associated with sharp practice or dispute. the core concept of exchange, however, became the dominant meaning. the '-ing' suffix forms the present participle or gerund, turning the action into a noun describing the process itself. thus, 'bartering' evolved from a term with negative connotations of haggling to a neutral, economic term for non-monetary exchange.
Analysis
the word 'bartering' is derived from the verb 'barter' with the addition of the inflectional suffix '-ing'. the root 'barter' is a simplex form borrowed from old french 'barater', meaning 'to cheat, deceive, haggle'. its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be imitative of haggling or dispute.
Examples
the two tribes sustained their relationship through bartering furs for tools.
bartering skills, like tutoring for carpentry work, is common in some communities.
the ancient economy was largely based on bartering goods.