Bargain vs. Discount — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
A bargain refers to an item or service deemed a good value for its price, while a discount is a reduction in price.
Difference Between Bargain and Discount
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Key Differences
A bargain is often seen as something beneficial for the consumer, implying that the item or service acquired holds significant value compared to its cost. A discount, meanwhile, is a straightforward decrease in price, often as a percentage or set amount off the original cost.
While shoppers hunt for bargains, ensuring they get more bang for their buck, they might obtain these through discounts provided by sellers to incentivize purchases or clear stock.
A bargain can emerge without a discount. For instance, an item of high quality sold at a reasonable rate is seen as a bargain. Conversely, a discount doesn't always guarantee a bargain; a reduced price on an inferior product might still not make it worthwhile.
The term bargain can also denote a mutual agreement between parties, like striking a bargain in negotiations. In contrast, a discount is exclusively about price reduction and doesn't imply any agreement or negotiation between two parties.
From a psychological standpoint, consumers often perceive bargains as wins, feeling they've secured something valuable at a great price. Discounts, while alluring, simply represent a lesser price, and the perceived value is largely contingent on the original pricing and product quality.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Value in relation to the price
Reduction in price
Implication
Deemed a good deal
Decreased price from the original
Presence of Reduction
Can exist without price reduction
Always implies a price reduction
Broader Meaning
Can mean an agreement
Exclusively about price reduction
Consumer Perception
Viewed as obtaining high value
Viewed as getting something for less money
Compare with Definitions
Bargain
Something acquired below its usual price or its perceived value.
That designer dress was a real bargain at half off.
Discount
A deduction from the original cost.
With my coupon, I received a $10 discount.
Bargain
A mutual agreement between parties.
They struck a bargain after hours of negotiation.
Discount
A markdown from the original selling price.
End-of-season sales usually have significant discounts.
Bargain
An advantageous purchase.
The laptop was a bargain considering its high-end specifications.
Discount
To sell or offer for sale at a reduced price
Discounting all merchandise.
Bargain
An agreement between parties fixing obligations that each promises to carry out.
Discount
To reduce in quantity or value
Discount a price.
Bargain
An agreement establishing the terms of a sale or exchange of goods or services
Reached a bargain with the antique dealer over the lamp.
Discount
To deduct or subtract from a cost or price
Discounted 30 dollars off the price of the coat.
Bargain
Property acquired or services rendered as a result of such an agreement.
Discount
To determine the present value of (a future payment or series of payments).
Bargain
Something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer
That silk dress is a bargain at that price.
Discount
To price (a bond or other debt security) at a reduction to its face value, especially in place of a coupon.
Bargain
To negotiate the terms of an agreement, as to sell or exchange.
Discount
To disregard or doubt (something) as being exaggerated or untrustworthy
Discount a rumor.
Bargain
To engage in collective bargaining.
Discount
To underestimate the significance or effectiveness of; minimize
I made sure in my report not to discount your accomplishments.
Bargain
To arrive at an agreement.
Discount
To anticipate and make allowance for; reckon with in advance.
Bargain
To exchange; trade
Bargained my watch for a meal.
Discount
A reduction from the full or standard amount of a price or value.
Bargain
An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds himself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds himself to receive the property and pay the consideration.
Discount
The amount by which the face value of a bond or other debt security exceeds its market price.
Bargain
An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge.
Discount
Offering products or services for sale at low or reduced prices
A discount retailer.
A discount airline.
Bargain
An item purchased for significantly less than the usual, or recommended, price
Discount
Sold or offered for sale at a low or reduced price
Discount merchandise.
Bargain
A gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase.
To buy a thing at a bargain
At that price, it's not just a bargain, it's a steal.
Discount
Reduced in quantity or value
Discount airfares.
Bargain
The thing stipulated or purchased.
Discount
Priced below face value, especially in place of a coupon
A discount bond.
Bargain
(intransitive) To make a bargain; to make a deal or contract for the exchange of property or services; to negotiate
They had to bargain for a few minutes to get a decent price for the rug.
Discount
To deduct from an account, debt, charge, and the like.
Merchants sometimes discount five or six per cent for prompt payment of bills.
Bargain
(transitive) To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade
Discount
To lend money upon, deducting the discount or allowance for interest
The banks discount notes and bills of exchange
Bargain
An agreement between parties concerning the sale of property; or a contract by which one party binds himself to transfer the right to some property for a consideration, and the other party binds himself to receive the property and pay the consideration.
A contract is a bargain that is legally binding.
Discount
To take into consideration beforehand; to anticipate and form conclusions concerning (an event).
Bargain
An agreement or stipulation; mutual pledge.
And whon your honors mean to solemnizeThe bargain of your faith.
Discount
To leave out of account or regard as unimportant.
They discounted his comments.
They discounted his suggestion.
They discounted his idea.
Bargain
A purchase; also ( when not qualified), a gainful transaction; an advantageous purchase; as, to buy a thing at a bargain.
Discount
To lend, or make a practice of lending, money, abating the discount
Bargain
The thing stipulated or purchased; also, anything bought cheap.
She was too fond of her most filthy bargain.
Discount
To believe, or act as though one believes, that one's own feelings are more important than the reality of a situation.
Bargain
To make a bargain; to make a contract for the exchange of property or services; - followed by with and for; as, to bargain with a farmer for a cow.
So worthless peasants bargain for their wives.
Discount
A reduction in price.
This store offers discounts on all its wares. That store specializes in discount wares, too.
Bargain
To transfer for a consideration; to barter; to trade; as, to bargain one horse for another.
Discount
(finance) A deduction made for interest, in advancing money upon, or purchasing, a bill or note not due; payment in advance of interest upon money.
Bargain
An agreement between parties (usually arrived at after discussion) fixing obligations of each;
He made a bargain with the devil
He rose to prominence through a series of shady deals
Discount
The rate of interest charged in discounting.
Bargain
An advantageous purchase;
She got a bargain at the auction
The stock was a real buy at that price
Discount
(figurative) A lack or shortcoming.
Bargain
Negotiate the terms of an exchange;
We bargained for a beautiful rug in the bazaar
Discount
The act of one who believes, or act as though they believe, that their own feelings are more important than the reality of a situation.
Bargain
Come to terms; arrive at an agreement
Discount
Specializing in selling goods at reduced prices.
If you're looking for cheap clothes, there's a discount clothier around the corner.
Bargain
Something offered or acquired at a reduced price.
The clearance section had some great bargains.
Discount
To deduct from an account, debt, charge, and the like; to make an abatement of; as, merchants sometimes discount five or six per cent for prompt payment of bills.
Bargain
A purchase that offers great value for its cost.
The all-inclusive vacation package was a bargain at that price.
Discount
To lend money upon, deducting the discount or allowance for interest; as, the banks discount notes and bills of exchange.
Discount only unexceptionable paper.
Discount
To take into consideration beforehand; to anticipate and form conclusions concerning (an event).
Discount
To leave out of account; to take no notice of.
Of the three opinions (I discount Brown's).
Discount
To lend, or make a practice of lending, money, abating the discount; as, the discount for sixty or ninety days.
Discount
A counting off or deduction made from a gross sum on any account whatever; an allowance upon an account, debt, demand, price asked, and the like; something taken or deducted.
Discount
A deduction made for interest, in advancing money upon, or purchasing, a bill or note not due; payment in advance of interest upon money.
Discount
The rate of interest charged in discounting.
Discount
The act of reducing the selling price of merchandise
Discount
Interest on an annual basis deducted in advance on a loan
Discount
A refund of some fraction of the amount paid
Discount
An amount or percentage deducted
Discount
Bar from attention or consideration;
She dismissed his advances
Discount
Give a reduction in price on;
I never discount these books-they sell like hot cakes
Discount
A reduction from the usual price of an item or service.
The store offered a 20% discount on all winter apparel.
Discount
A price decrease as an incentive or promotion.
The discount on the new book made it more appealing to customers.
Discount
A reduced rate given under particular conditions.
Students get a discount at the museum.
Common Curiosities
Does a discount always signify a good deal?
Not necessarily; a discount reduces price, but the final value is determined by product quality and the actual cost.
Can the term bargain be used in contexts outside shopping?
Yes, bargain can also refer to an agreement between parties, like in negotiations.
How is a bargain typically perceived by shoppers?
A bargain is typically seen as an item or service offering great value for its price.
How does a discount influence the price of a product?
A discount directly reduces the original price of a product.
Can a high-quality item with no price reduction be considered a bargain?
Yes, an item can be a bargain based on its value, irrespective of a discount.
Are discounts always beneficial to the consumer?
While discounts lower prices, the perceived benefit depends on the product's original value and the discount's magnitude.
What might drive a store to offer discounts?
Stores might offer discounts to clear stock, promote new items, or incentivize purchases.
If a product is always sold below its market value, is it always a bargain?
Yes, if a product consistently offers great value for its price, it can be considered a bargain.
Can the terms bargain and discount be used interchangeably?
While related, they have distinct meanings; a bargain is about value, while a discount is a price reduction.
Can you negotiate for a discount?
Often, especially in certain cultures or settings, negotiating can lead to a discount.
Are seasonal sales primarily about discounts?
Yes, seasonal sales usually involve discounts to clear out inventory.
How is the value of a bargain determined?
The value of a bargain is subjective, often based on individual perception of worth versus cost.
Can a product be both a bargain and on discount?
Absolutely, a product can be a bargain due to its inherent value and also have a discount applied.
Why might two people have different opinions on what constitutes a bargain?
Perceptions of bargains are subjective, based on individual value assessments and needs.
What's a common misconception about discounts?
A common misconception is that a discount always equates to a good deal, which isn't always the case.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
