区别辨析consult、negotiate与confer

这些动词均含“协商、商量”之意。

consult : 多指向权威或有识之士请教或咨询。

  • If the symptoms get worse, consult your doctor.
    如果症状恶化就要去就医。
  • I'm not quite sure how to get there - I'd better consult a map.
    我不是很清楚怎么去那儿——我最好查查地图。

negotiate : 正式用词,指双方通过争论或讨论最后达成协议等;也指通过商议从而解决问题。

  • The government has refused to negotiate with the strikers.
    政府拒绝与罢工者谈判。
  • I'm negotiating for a new contract.
    我正在为签订一份新合同进行协商。
  • I've managed to negotiate (= get by discussion) a five percent pay increase with my boss.
    通过与老板协商,我的薪水将提高5%。

confer : 正式用词,强调对观点或意见的交换。

  • I need some time to confer with my lawyer.
    我想花点时间跟我的律师商量一下。
  • He wanted to confer with his colleagues before reaching a decision.
    他想与他的同事先商议一下再作出决定。
  • He conferred with Hill and the others in his office.
    他与希尔及其他人在办公室里商议了一番。