What is bargain? Pronunciation and usage in English

bargain means . Learn how to pronounce and use bargain through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bargain

bargainnoun

/ˈbɑːɡ(ɪ)n/
Definition & pronunciation of bargain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bargain" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to say it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbɑːr.ɡɑːn/ (American English)

Let's break that down:

  • ˈbɑːr: This is the first syllable. "Bar" rhymes with "car" or "star". The "a" sound is like the "a" in "father."
  • ɡɑːn: This is the second syllable. "Gain" rhymes with "rain" or "pain". The "a" sound is a broad "a" – like in "father" or "late." The "g" is a hard "g" sound (as in "go").

Here's a slightly more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (for those who like that level of detail):

  • /ˈbɑːr/ - Stress is on the first syllable (ˈ) - "bah-r"
  • /ɡɑːn/ - "gahn"

Here are a few variations you might hear:

  • British English: Often pronounced /bɑːrn/ – similar to the pronunciation of the word ‘burn’ but with ‘bargain’ at the end. The “a” sounds are more like a short “a” as in “cat.”

Resources for Hearing It:

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  • Know how it's pronounced in a specific accent (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word bargain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bargain" in English. It's a really useful word with a few different nuances!

1. Core Meaning: A Good Deal

At its simplest, "bargain" means something that's sold at a much lower price than it's usually worth. It implies a good value.

  • Example: "I got a fantastic bargain on a new coat at the market." (You got a low price.)
  • Example: "That's a really good bargain; it was originally much more expensive."

2. As a Verb (To Negotiate a Price)

"Bargain" can also be used as a verb, meaning to negotiate a lower price.

  • Example: "We bargained with the vendor for a better price on the furniture." (You negotiated.)
  • Example: "He tried to bargain for a discount on the car." (He attempted to get a lower price.)

3. Describing Something that's inherently a good deal (Less Common)

Sometimes, "bargain" is used more generally to describe something that's simply a good deal, even if it doesn't imply intense negotiation. Think of it as an attractive offer.

  • Example: "It’s a bargain to get a subscription to this magazine – it includes access to all their online content!" (It’s a low price for a valuable service)
  • Example: "This is a real bargain; you're getting a lot for what you're paying."

4. Related Words & Phrases

  • Bargain hunt: The act of looking for bargains (deals). “I’m going on a bargain hunt for Christmas presents.”
  • Bargain basement: Very cheap, sometimes implying lower quality. “That furniture is from the bargain basement; it’s probably not very durable.”
  • Bargaining: The process of negotiating a price. "They enjoy bargaining at the flea market."

Tips for Using "Bargain" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is being used in a sentence to understand its precise meaning.
  • Implies value: "Bargain" always suggests that you're getting more value than you would typically pay.

Resources for More Examples:

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  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., shopping, negotiations)?
  • Explain how "bargain" differs from words like "discount" or "sale"?

Synonyms for the word bargain

Idioms of the word bargain

drive/strike a hard bargain
to argue in an aggressive way and force somebody to agree on the best possible price or arrangement
    into the bargain
    also; as well
    • Volunteers learn a lot and enjoy themselves into the bargain.
    • He's very strong and completely fearless into the bargain.
    strike a bargain/deal (with somebody/something)
    to make an agreement with somebody in which both sides have an advantage
    • Perhaps we could strike a bargain.
    • The United States has struck a historic deal with India.

    Practice with vocabulary bargain

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. She managed to find a great ________ at the flea market yesterday.
    2. After hours of negotiation, both parties finally reached a ________.
    3. The price of the car was quite ________, so I decided to buy it.
    4. He thought the deal was a ________, but it turned out to be a scam.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which word means "an agreement between two parties where both benefit"?
      a) Conflict
      b) Bargain
      c) Disagreement
      d) Argument

    2. Which of the following can describe a good deal? (Select all that apply)
      a) Bargain
      b) Discount
      c) Overpriced
      d) Steal

    3. What is the best word to complete this sentence? "The antique vase was a real ________ at such a low price."
      a) Rip-off
      b) Bargain
      c) Mistake
      d) Fraud

    4. Which word is NOT a synonym for "bargain"?
      a) Agreement
      b) Compromise
      c) Dispute
      d) Deal

    5. What word best fits this sentence? "She always looks for a ________ when shopping to save money."
      a) Discount
      b) Bargain
      c) Luxury
      d) Splurge

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The price of the laptop was so low that it felt like stealing.
      Rewrite: The price of the laptop was such a bargain that it felt like stealing.

    2. Original: They agreed on the terms after a long discussion.
      Rewrite: They struck a bargain after a long discussion.

    3. Original: The hotel offered a great deal for the weekend stay.
      Rewrite: The hotel offered a reasonable rate for the weekend stay.

    Answers

    Exercise 1:

    1. bargain
    2. bargain
    3. reasonable
    4. bargain

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) Bargain
    2. a) Bargain, b) Discount, d) Steal
    3. b) Bargain
    4. c) Dispute
    5. b) Bargain

    Exercise 3:

    1. The price of the laptop was such a bargain that it felt like stealing.
    2. They struck a bargain after a long discussion.
    3. The hotel offered a reasonable rate for the weekend stay.

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