[ne.go.ti.ate] vb -at.ed ; -at.ing [L negotiatus, pp. of negotiari to carry on business, fr. negotium business, fr. neg- not + otium leisure--more at negate] vi (1599): to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter ~ vt 1 a: to deal with (some matter or affair that requires ability for its successful handling): manage b: to arrange for or bring about through conference, discussion, and compromise "~ a treaty"
2. a: to transfer (as a bill of exchange) to another by delivery or endorsement b: to convert into cash or the equivalent value "~ a check" 3 a: to successfully travel along or over "~ a turn" b: complete, accomplish "~ the trip in two hours" -- ne.go.ti.a.tor n -- ne.go.ti.a.to.ry adj