'negotiate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'negotiari,' where 'neg-' meant 'not' and 'otium' meant 'leisure.'

'negotiari' transformed into the French word 'négocier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'negotiate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to carry on business,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to discuss in order to reach an agreement.'