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。
