Talks

How it is used

The everyday news word for negotiations: peace talks, trade talks, high-level talks, exploratory talks. Talks are held, open, stall, collapse and resume, and a side can 'walk out of' them. In 'proximity talks' a mediator moves between the parties in separate rooms.

Example sentences

1. Talks between the two delegations will resume on Monday.

2. The peace talks collapsed after only two days.

3. Officials described the talks as frank and constructive.

Common collocations

• peace talks
• hold talks
• talks broke down
• resume talks
• round of talks

Related terms

• negotiationFormal discussion between parties who are trying to reach an agreement, in which each side presents its position, makes proposals and may accept compromises.
• delegationA group of people chosen to represent a country or organisation at a meeting, conference or negotiation, usually led by a head of delegation.
• mediationAn effort by a neutral third party, such as a state, organisation or individual, to help the sides in a dispute reach an agreement without imposing a solution.
• breakthroughAn important step forward in negotiations or talks, especially after a long period without progress.
• deadlockA situation in which the parties cannot agree and no progress is possible because neither side is willing to change its position.

More terms: Negotiation & Summit Language

• summit
• agenda
• consensus
• compromise
• communiqué
• joint statement
• concession
• red line
• common ground