Negotiable
nɪˈɡoʊʃəbəl
Definitions
2 meaningsOpen to discussion or modification; able to be bargained over.
nɪˈɡoʊʃəbəl
Capable of being discussed and changed.
The salary for the position is negotiable.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're buying a toy, and the price tag says '$20, negotiable'. That means you can try to offer a lower price! Anything that's negotiable can be changed through talking and agreeing.
👶 For kids: Something is negotiable if you can talk about changing it, like the price of something.
More Examples
The terms of the contract are negotiable.
The bank is willing to offer a negotiable interest rate.
The rules for the game are negotiable among the players.
How It's Used
"The price of the car is negotiable."
"The terms of the treaty are negotiable."
Capable of being transferred to another person by endorsement or delivery.
nɪˈɡoʊʃəbəl
Able to be transferred or converted into money.
A check is a negotiable instrument.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a check. This is a negotiable document because you can sign it over to someone else, and they can cash it and get money from it.
👶 For kids: If something is negotiable, it can be given to another person to receive money, like a check.
More Examples
The bond is considered a negotiable security.
Negotiable securities are often traded on the stock market.
The company issued negotiable promissory notes.
How It's Used
"A check is a negotiable instrument."
From Middle English negociable, from Old French negociable, from Latin negotium ('business, affair').
The term 'negotiable' has been used in both business and legal contexts since the 17th century, evolving from its root meaning of being able to be 'transacted' or 'managed'.
Memory tip
Think of a negotiation – things are negotiable when you can talk about them.