negotiating
UK[nɪˈɡəʊ.ʃi.eɪ.tɪŋ]US[nɪˈɡoʊ.ʃi.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ]
v
Taking part in formal discussions to reach an agreement.
v
Finding a way over or through an obstacle or difficult path.
Morpheme Breakdown
neg
oti
ate
ing
neg
not
oti
leisure
ate
verb suffix
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The word 'negotiating' originates from the Latin verb 'negotiari', meaning 'to carry on business'. This verb itself was formed from the combination of 'neg-' (a form of 'nec', meaning 'not') and 'otium' (meaning 'leisure'). The literal sense was therefore 'to be not at leisure', implying being busy with important activities, particularly commerce. Over time in English, this core idea of engaging in serious business evolved specifically into the formal process of discussion and bargaining to settle terms. The present participle form 'negotiating' captures the active, ongoing nature of this process.
Analysis
Structure: neg (not) + oti (leisure) + ate (verb suffix) + ing (present participle suffix)
- neg: Latin origin, meaning 'not'; a prefix indicating negation.
- oti: From Latin 'otium', meaning 'leisure, ease'; the core root.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin.
- ing: A suffix of Old English origin, forming the present participle.
Examples
The two companies are negotiating a new trade agreement.
She spent hours negotiating the complex terms of the contract.
The climbers were carefully negotiating the treacherous ridge.