bargain
BAR-gin
/ˈbɑːr.ɡɪn/
A thing bought or offered for sale much more cheaply than is usual; to negotiate the terms of a transaction.
As a noun, it emphasizes the great value received. As a verb, it is a synonym for negotiate.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Old French 'bargaignier', which meant to hesitate or be undecided. This perfectly describes the back-and-forth dance of two people who haven't yet agreed on a price.
Word relationships
- deal: Deal is more informal and can refer to any agreement, not just a cheap one.
- rip-off: An informal term for something that is much more expensive than it should be.
Commonly confused with
- steal: A 'steal' is an even better deal than a 'bargain'.
Word family
- bargaining (noun): The process of negotiating.
Collocations
- bargain hunter
- real bargain
- drive a hard bargain
Idioms & expressions
- drive a hard bargain
- more than one bargained for
Example sentences
- "A bargain is a bargain, and I'll stand by it." A classic literary quote about agreements. (The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens)
- "At only five dollars, this vintage coat was a real bargain." Expressing satisfaction with a purchase.
Memory hook
You go to the 'bar' to 'gain' a better price. A great deal.
When not to use
Avoid using 'bargain' as a verb in high-level legal contexts; use 'negotiate' instead.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'drive a hard bargain' means to be very demanding when negotiating an agreement.
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