The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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haggle

verb

/ˈhæɡl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of haggle

To bargain or negotiate over the price or terms of a transaction, often in a contentious or back-and-forth manner.
"If you haggle effectively, you could save a lot of money on your purchases."

Detailed meaning of haggle

It implies a sense of disagreement or conflict, as the two parties involved in the transaction try to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. The word "haggle" is often used in business or commercial contexts, such as buying or selling goods or services, but it can also be used in personal or social situations where two parties are negotiating over something of value. To haggle is to engage in a competitive and often protracted negotiation, where both parties try to get the best deal possible. A haggling session can involve various tactics, such as making counteroffers, stalling, or trying to get concessions, in order to come to a mutually satisfactory agreement. Despite its contentious connotations, the verb "haggle" can also be used in a playful and lighthearted manner, showing a willingness to engage in friendly competition.

Example sentences containing haggle

1. "We don't have time to haggle; take the offer," she advised, urgency in her eyes.
2. He’s the type to haggle every detail, ensuring the best possible deal.
3. To haggle over such a trifle shows a lack of both grace and wisdom.
4. He's known to haggle fiercely, never settling for less than victory.
5. In this market, every vendor expects customers to haggle with vigor.
6. Tourists often haggle prices, eager for the best souvenirs at the lowest cost.

History and etymology of haggle

The verb 'haggle' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'haggen,' which meant to cut or chop unevenly. This Middle English term was likely influenced by the Old Norse word 'höggva,' which also means to chop or hew. Over time, in the late 16th century, 'haggle' evolved in English to describe the act of bargaining or negotiating over the price or terms of a transaction, often in a contentious or back-and-forth manner. The connection between cutting unevenly and contentious negotiation lies in the idea of trying to get the best deal by carefully dissecting the terms, much like one might cut unevenly to achieve a desired result. Thus, the etymology of 'haggle' reflects its historical association with the intricate and sometimes contentious process of negotiation and deal-making.

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Further usage examples of haggle

1. "We mustn't haggle like traders; lives hang in the balance," the chief warned.
2. In the bustling bazaar, to haggle is as natural as breathing.
3. "Why haggle over pennies when empires are at stake?" the king retorted.
4. They haggle, not out of necessity, but for the thrill of the barter.
5. "Don’t haggle over terms, focus on creating value," the mentor suggested.
6. Every time she visits the flea market, she is ready to haggle with the vendors.
7. I don't enjoy the stress that comes when you have to haggle over prices at a car dealership.
8. To haggle for a bargain, you need to know the value of the item in question.
9. Many cultures expect you to haggle in the marketplaces; it's considered a normal part of doing business.
10. He refused to haggle and paid the asking price immediately.
11. She is known to haggle hard, never accepting the first price offered.
12. If we haggle a bit, I'm sure we can come to a mutually acceptable price.
13. Don't be shy to haggle; it's expected in this part of the world.
14. Tourists often haggle with street vendors to get the best possible deal.
15. At the yard sale, people are expected to haggle before buying.
16. He's trying to haggle down the price of the antique chair.
17. Some people haggle for sport, enjoying the back-and-forth negotiation.
18. You may need to haggle over the final details of the contract.
19. If you don't haggle, you might end up overpaying for the item.
20. She decided to haggle with the salesman, hoping to lower the price of the television.
21. We will need to haggle with the suppliers to get a better deal on the raw materials.
22. To haggle in this marketplace requires a good understanding of local customs and languages.
23. When we haggle, we make sure both sides walk away feeling satisfied with the deal.
24. I'm prepared to haggle over the price, but not the quality of the goods.