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chaffer

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈtʃæfə/

KK: /ˈtʃæfər/

intransitive verb
Definition

To engage in conversation or to negotiate over the price of something, often in a casual or informal manner.


Example

They began to chaffer over the price of the antique vase at the market.


Tense Forms

Past: chaffered

Past Participle: chaffered


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they were chaffering over that antique vase?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was quite amusing to watch them argue about the price.
Sloth A
I wish I could be that confident when I chaffer at markets.
Sloth B
Just practice a bit, and you'll get the hang of it!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bargain
haggle
negotiate
Antonyms
agree
settle
concur
noun
Definition

A person who negotiates or bargains, often in a playful or teasing manner.


Example

The chaffer skillfully negotiated the price of the antique vase.


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard you had a funny chaffer with that vendor yesterday.
Sloth B
Oh, definitely! We were just going back and forth about the prices.
Sloth A
That sounds entertaining; I love a good chaffer when shopping.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To negotiate or discuss the price of something in order to reach an agreement.


Example

They decided to chaffer over the price of the antique vase at the market.


Tense Forms

Past: chaffered

Past Participle: chaffered


Conversation
Sloth A
I saw you at the market yesterday; did you chaffer for that leather jacket?
Sloth B
Yeah, I managed to get a good deal after some back-and-forth with the seller.
Sloth A
Nice! I always feel awkward trying to chaffer for prices.
Root Explanation

Chaffer originates from Middle English 'chafare', which is derived from Old French 'chafrer', meaning to barter or trade. The word refers to the act of bargaining or negotiating over the price of goods.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French word for trading ('chafrer') to remember that 'chaffer' means to bargain or negotiate over prices.

Visually Confused Words
chauffer
chauffeur
scaffer
choffer
chiffer
chamfer
scaffery
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Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bargain
haggle
negotiate
Antonyms
settle
agree
concede
Sloth B
It gets easier with practice — just remember to stay confident!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
haggle
negotiate
barter
Antonyms
agree
settle
concede