bargain
noun, verb
UK/ˈbɑː.ɡɪn/US/ˈbɑːr.ɡɪn/
As a noun, it refers to an agreement between two or more parties as to what each will do for the other, or something acquired at a surprisingly favorable price. As a verb, it means to negotiate the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract.
Example Sentences
I got this jacket for half price—it was a real bargain.
They decided to bargain with the vendor to get a better deal on the handmade rugs.
The group struck a bargain with the landowner, securing use of the property for their community event at a minimal cost.
He always takes time to bargain for lower prices, especially when buying in bulk from local markets.
At the garage sale, she found several valuable antiques at bargain prices.
We finally made a bargain where they would pay for the materials and I would supply the labor for free.
After hours of negotiation, both parties eventually came to a bargain that satisfied their mutual interests, ensuring that everyone walked away feeling they had gained something significant from the arrangement.
Sometimes, a seemingly small compromise can become the heart of a greater bargain, setting the stage for collaborative partnerships that extend far beyond the initial agreement.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An agreement or negotiation to achieve beneficial terms or a reduced price.“Bargain” functions as both a noun and a verb, and it’s commonly used to describe an advantageous deal or the act of negotiating for a better price. As a noun, it might refer to an item sold at a reduced cost: “This car was a real bargain!” As a verb, it highlights the process of negotiation: “They will bargain with the seller for a lower rate.” In professional or business contexts, you could say, “We are prepared to bargain with suppliers to secure more favorable terms.” In informal settings, it can express delight at an unexpectedly good find, such as, “I can’t believe I got these shoes for half price—what a bargain!”Use the word to emphasize the idea of acquiring something valuable at less cost or ensuring an equitable exchange between two parties. Whether you’re discussing a discounted product, negotiating a salary, or finalizing a major contract, the term “bargain” underscores the sense of actively seeking or celebrating a deal that benefits everyone involved. In writing, you might pair it with descriptive language about the negotiation process, or in speech, you might use it to convey excitement or relief at having secured a favorable outcome. By employing “bargain” carefully, you capture the essence of a prudent, sometimes skillful negotiation that yields a satisfying result.
Alternatives
When looking for alternatives to express the concept of getting a good deal or negotiating favorable terms, you have several options. “Deal” is a straightforward substitute, indicating an arrangement that usually benefits all parties. If you want to stress cost savings, “discount” and “steal” can imply that the price is notably lower than expected—though “steal” is more idiomatic and conversational, often used hyperbolically to show extreme value, as in, “These concert tickets were a steal at just thirty dollars!”For negotiation-focused contexts, “haggle” captures the back-and-forth process of discussing a price until an agreement is reached, while “negotiate” itself is a broader term used in both casual and formal settings, encompassing any effort to secure better terms, not just in financial matters but also in workplace agreements or peace treaties. If you need a word that centers on the mutual aspect of striking a deal, “compromise” can suggest both sides making concessions for a balanced outcome. “Trade” shifts the emphasis slightly, implying an exchange of goods, services, or favors, whereas “barter” often describes an exchange without using money. In writing or speech, picking the most fitting synonym depends on your tone and context. If you’re describing a lighthearted shopping experience, “steal” or “deal” can work nicely to convey excitement. For more formal negotiations, “compromise” or “negotiate” may suit better, suggesting a measured, diplomatic approach. Whether you’re discussing everyday purchases, online marketplace transactions, or significant contractual agreements, rotating among these synonyms can bring nuanced layers to your expression of cost-effectiveness and mutual benefit.
Writing
When writing about this concept, clarity is key. First, specify whether you’re focusing on the act of negotiating, the result of a negotiation, or both. If you’re depicting someone bargaining, use vivid language to show the tension, strategy, or even cultural nuances—some societies view haggling as an expected, even enjoyable, part of the shopping experience. For example, “He bargained skillfully with the street vendor, driving the price down without causing offense.” This illustrates not only the money-saving goal but also the interpersonal dynamics. Next, consider the broader context: Is this negotiation part of a business deal, a casual marketplace encounter, or a household discussion over expenses? In a business or academic paper, you might explain how bargaining can lead to mutual gains by redistributing benefits in a contract. In a short story or novel, you could capture a character’s personality through their bargaining style, painting them as either cautious and thrifty or bold and demanding. Also, incorporate any relevant figures—like final sale prices or cost breakdowns—to highlight the scale of the negotiation. Finally, watch your word choice: synonyms like “negotiate” or “haggle” can inject variety, but repeating them too often could distract readers. By mixing in phrases like “struck a deal,” “hammered out an agreement,” or “reached a compromise,” you maintain a dynamic flow in your narrative. Whether you’re explaining the mechanics of major trade agreements or illustrating a quick exchange in a street market, anchoring your writing in concrete details creates authenticity and helps readers connect with the storyline or argument.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bargain” often appears when you’re excited about landing a great deal or discussing negotiations, especially around finances. You might say, “I scored a bargain on this new phone—it was half off!” or “We had to bargain with the landlord to knock fifty dollars off the rent.” Such phrases immediately highlight a sense of victory or relief at reducing costs. If you’re chatting with a friend who’s looking for discounts, advising them to “shop around for a better bargain” is a natural way to encourage frugality.Beyond shopping, you can apply it to nearly any exchange: “My roommate and I bargained on the chore schedule, so I cook on weekdays, and they handle weekends.” This shows how the term also covers mutual agreements in non-monetary contexts. In a group setting, you might casually say, “If you do the dishes, I’ll do the laundry—that’s our bargain, right?” thereby streamlining an arrangement to keep life simpler. When used in casual speech, “bargain” projects a friendly, pragmatic vibe that resonates with anyone aiming to be resourceful or come out on top in everyday deals. It’s less formal than “negotiate,” making it perfect for informal chats or social media posts highlighting cost-saving wins or cooperative give-and-take scenarios.
Etymology
The word “bargain” finds its roots in the Old French term “bargaignier,” which carried the sense of haggling, bartering, or making a deal. Historical records indicate that this term was linked to the broader idea of trading goods or services, a practice central to medieval commerce across Europe. Over time, as trade grew more complex and marketplaces expanded, the concept of “bargain” evolved from basic exchanges to a more sophisticated notion of negotiation aimed at achieving favorable terms, whether for ordinary household items, real estate, or commercial contracts. With the development of global trade networks, diverse cultures adopted the practice of bargaining in their own ways, merging it with local customs and norms. In some regions, haggling is customary and expected, while in others, fixed prices are the norm, making bargaining a less common phenomenon. Yet the essential idea remains: “bargain” frames the relationship between buyer and seller as dynamic and interactive, where each side has room to influence the final outcome. Today, even digital marketplaces reflect this old concept, allowing users to make offers or “best deals.” Though centuries have passed since the term entered English usage, its underlying principle of strategic give-and-take remains as relevant as ever, illustrating how longstanding commercial practices endure in modern economies.