What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dickering
Example
The two sides spent hours dickering over the price of the car. [dickering: verb]
Example
After much dickering, they finally agreed on the terms of the contract. [dickering: gerund or present participle]
haggle
Example
She haggled with the street vendor over the price of the scarf. [haggled: verb]
Example
The customer was trying to haggle for a better deal on the car. [haggle: infinitive]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Haggle is more commonly used than dickering in everyday language, especially in British English. However, both words are less common than other synonyms like 'negotiate' or 'bargain'.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dickering and haggle?
Dickering is more formal than haggle, which is often used in informal or casual settings. Therefore, dickering may be more appropriate in professional or business contexts, while haggle may be more suitable for personal or social situations.
