Definition of bargain

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page: About My Yahoo! and RSS »

Email this page to a friend

< barfly

bargain basement >

bar·gain    (bärgn) KEY  

NOUN:

1. An agreement between parties fixing obligations that each promises to carry out.
2. 1. An agreement establishing the terms of a sale or exchange of goods or services: finally reached a bargain with the antique dealer over the lamp.
   2. Property acquired or services rendered as a result of such an agreement.
3. Something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer.

VERB:
bar·gained , bar·gain·ing , bar·gains
VERB:
intr.

1. To negotiate the terms of an agreement, as to sell or exchange.
2. To engage in collective bargaining.
3. To arrive at an agreement.

VERB:
tr.

To exchange; trade: bargained my watch for a meal.

PHRASAL VERB:
bargain for or on

To count on; expect: "I never bargained for this tearing feeling inside me" (Anne Tyler).

IDIOM:
into /in the bargain

Over and above what is expected; in addition.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French bargaigne, haggling, from bargaignier, to haggle, of Germanic origin; see bhergh- ¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
bargain·er (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
bargain , compact ² , contract , covenant , deal ¹

These nouns denote an agreement arrived at after a discussion in which the parties involved promise to honor their respective obligations: kept my end of the bargain and mowed the lawn; made a compact to correspond regularly; a legally binding contract to install new windows; a covenant for mutual defense; ignored the requests that weren't part of the deal.

Visit our partner's site

	Provided by Houghton Mifflin eReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer

Search Dictionary:

More on Yahoo! Education

• Online and On-Campus Degree Programs     MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More  • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide     College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search