mindmap root((会谈)) confer implies comparison of views or opinions and usually an equality between participants: the executives ~ weekly about current business problems. consult adds to confer the implication of seeking or taking counsel: before acting, the president ~ed with his aides. advise applies especially to the seeking and giving of opinions regarding personal matters: before deciding to run, he ~d with friends. parley implies a conference for the sake of settling differences: the government refusing to ~ with the rebels. treat implies the existence of a common will to adjust differences or a need for diplomacy: warring nations ready to ~ for peace. negotiate suggests compromise or bargaining: unwilling to ~ with terrorists.