négocient

Négocient is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb négocier, meaning "they negotiate." It is used when the subject is a plural noun or pronoun, such as ils or elles. The base verb négocier is a regular -er verb, so its present tense endings follow the standard pattern: je négocie, tu négocies, il/elle négocie, nous négocions, vous négociez, ils/elles négocient.

In usage, négocient appears in ordinary and formal contexts to indicate the act of bargaining or discussing terms, prices, or arrangements. Examples include: "Ils négocient le prix," or "Elles négocient les conditions du contrat." The form is not a standalone noun; it is a verb form used with a plural subject. Related words include négociation (negotiation), négociateur (negotiator), and négociable (negotiable).

Etymology-wise, négocier comes from Old French negocier, itself from Latin negotiari "to carry on business," from negotium "business, task." This lineage reflects its sense of conducting business and bargaining. A common point of confusion for learners is the noun négociant, which means a trader or merchant, particularly in contexts such as wine trade; it is a distinct word from the verb form négocient, though sharing the same etymological root.

In summary, négocient denotes a plural subject performing negotiation, a standard verb form used across diverse contexts to describe bargaining, deal-making, or term discussion.