5 syllables: Ne, go, ti, a, tion. Stress on a.
nig-oh-shee-AY-shuhn
/nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/
Negotiation is pronounced nig-oh-shee-AY-shuhn (/nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/). It has five syllables (Ne-go-ti-a-tion), with the stress on "a". Negotiation is the process of discussing terms to reach a mutual agreement. It involves presenting needs, concessions, and alternatives, while aiming for a beneficial outcome for all parties. The term covers strategies, tactics, and interpersonal skills used to influence, persuade, and compromise in a formal or informal setting.
nounNegotiation is the process of discussing terms to reach a mutual agreement. It involves presenting needs, concessions, and alternatives, while aiming for a beneficial outcome for all parties. The term covers strategies, tactics, and interpersonal skills used to influence, persuade, and compromise in a formal or informal setting.
"The negotiation between the supplier and the retailer lasted all afternoon."
"She hired a lawyer to help with the negotiation and paperwork."
"A successful negotiation can save both sides time and money."
Pronounce as /nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃn̩/ (US) or /nɪˌɡəʊʃiˈeɪʃn̩/ (UK/ROA). Primary stress on the third syllable -eɪ-, with secondary stress on the second syllable 'go'. Start with a short ‘ni’ then a light ‘go’ followed by a clear ‘shi’ and a final ‘-tion’ pronounced as -ʃn̩. You’ll hear it as ne-go-SHEE-AY-shun. Practice with voice recorders and daily phrases like “negotiation strategy.”
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress, saying ne-GO-ti-a-tion or ne-go-TEE-tion. 2) Slurring the -ti- into -ʃən/, producing ne-goʊˈʃən instead of -ʃiˈeɪʃn̩. 3) Flattening the middle 'ge' into a hard 'g' or 'j' sound. Correction: emphasize the /ɡoʊ/ with a short /ɪ/ before it, and ensure the /ʃiˈeɪ/ sequence is distinct before the final /ʃn̩/.
In US, you’ll hear /nɪˌɡoʊˈʃiˌeɪʃn̩/, with a rhotic initial tone and a prominent /oʊ/ vowel. UK typically uses /nɪˌɡəʊʃiˈeɪʃn̩/, with a non-rhotic /ɡəʊ/ and a briefer /ɪ/. Australian retains vowel shifts similar to UK but with a more centralized /ə/ and a slightly faster rhythm; final syllable often reduced to schwa + n̩. All share the /ʃ/ onset for the -tion portion and a stressed -eɪ- before -ʃn̩.
Two main challenges: the multisyllabic rhythm and the -tion ending. The segment -ʃn̩ after -eɪ- requires you to blend a voiceless postalveolar fricative with a syllabic n quickly. The middle /ɡoʊ/ or /ɡəʊ/ can tempt a misleading vowel blend if you’re not careful. Focus on resilience of the /nɪ-/ onset and the precise /ʃiˈeɪ/ sequence before the syllabic /n̩/ in calm, deliberate speech.
Note the sequence ne-go-tio-n, with the /ti/ often realized as a subtle /ʃ/ onset when fast, but clearly pronounced in careful speech: ne-go-ti-eɪ-ʃn̩. Practicing with a slow-to-fast progression helps you maintain the tʃish-like quality on the -ti- portion without turning it into a hard 't' + 'i'. This keeps the /ʃ/ of the -tion intact and avoids a clipped ending.
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Negotiation derives from the Latin negotiatio, formed from negotium meaning business or task, and the verb negotiari meaning to deal or transact. The root neg- (to deny) is not semantically central in this family; rather, negotiatio signified business, undertaking, or a dealing. The word evolved through Old French as negociation, later spelling-conformed into English as negotiation in the 15th century. Over time, its meaning shifted from a general act of dealing or bargaining to a formal, structured process of bargaining and dialogue aimed at reaching mutual terms. The term is widely used in law, business, diplomacy, and everyday conflict resolution, retaining its core sense of deliberate discussion to adjust positions and create an agreement. The conceptual arc links medieval trade negotiations to modern contract and policy discussions, reflecting the universal human need to resolve differences through dialogue rather than force.
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Words that rhyme with "Negotiation"
-ion sounds
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