Broker
/ˈbroʊkər/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn agent who buys and sells goods or services for others.
/ˈbroʊkər/
A person who acts as an intermediary between parties to a transaction.
He's a successful insurance broker.
💡 Simply: Someone who helps people buy or sell things.
More Examples
The art broker negotiated a high price for the painting.
How It's Used
"The stockbroker executed the trade on my behalf."
"We hired a real estate broker to help us sell our house."
To arrange or negotiate a deal or agreement between parties.
/ˈbroʊkər/
To act as an intermediary in a transaction.
The government is trying to broker a peace agreement.
💡 Simply: To help two sides reach an agreement.
More Examples
She brokered a deal between the two companies.
How It's Used
"They brokered a peace deal between the warring factions."
Idioms & expressions
broker a deal
To negotiate and arrange a deal successfully.
"The diplomats brokered a peace deal between the warring factions."
From Middle English brocour, from Anglo-Norman French brocour, from Old French brocour, from brocher "to prick, pierce," referring to making a deal or transaction. The modern sense developed from the concept of mediating between buyer and seller.
Historically, 'broker' referred more narrowly to individuals involved in specific trades like maritime goods or money lending, evolving to its broader usage today.
Memory tip
Think of a 'broker' as someone who 'breaks' the deal between two parties.