mediate

[mee-dee-eyt, mee-dee-it]

verb (used with object)

mediated, mediating 

1. to settle (disputes, strikes, etc.) as an intermediary between parties; reconcile.

   Synonyms: arbitrate

2. to bring about (an agreement, accord, truce, peace, etc.) as an intermediary between parties by compromise, reconciliation, removal of misunderstanding, etc.

   Synonyms: arbitrate

3. to effect (a result) or convey (a message, gift, etc.) by or as if by an intermediary.

verb (used without object)

mediated, mediating 

1. to act between parties to effect an agreement, compromise, reconciliation, etc.

   Synonyms: intervene, intercede

2. to occupy an intermediate place or position.

adjective

1. acting through, dependent on, or involving an intermediate agency; not direct or immediate.

mediate

verb

1. (intr; usually foll by between or in) to intervene (between parties or in a dispute) in order to bring about agreement

2. to bring about (an agreement)

3. to bring about (an agreement) between parties in a dispute

4. to resolve (differences) by mediation

5. (intr) to be in a middle or intermediate position

6. (tr) to serve as a medium for causing (a result) or transferring (objects, information, etc)

adjective

1. occurring as a result of or dependent upon mediation

2. a rare word for intermediate

3. logic (of an inference) having more than one premise, esp, being syllogistic in form

mediate

1. To effect or convey a force between subatomic particles. The gauge bosons, for example, mediate the four fundamental forces of nature.

Other Word Forms

• mediately adverb
• mediateness noun
• self-mediating adjective
• unmediating adjective
• mediator noun
• mediatorially adverb
• mediative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediate¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin mediātus, past participle of mediāre “to be in the middle, intercede”; medium, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediate¹

C16: from Late Latin mediāre to be in the middle

Example Sentences

The move was welcomed by Palestinians - but rejected by Israel and the US, which argued it damaged efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the war in the Gaza Strip.

From BBC

"Good, old-fashioned diplomacy" ended their ordeal, Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, told the BBC, and again thanked the government of Qatar, which helped mediate their release.

From BBC

Efforts to try and mediate between the pair began on Friday.

From BBC

On the front lines of negotiations, he played a role in mediating between university officials and the activists and students who attended the protests.

From BBC

“If any country in the world can help mediate it, Qatar is the one,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arbitrate 
• intercede 
• interfere 
• intervene 
• negotiate 
• resolve 

When To Use

What does mediate mean?

Mediate means to help to settle a dispute or create agreement when there is conflict between two or more people or groups by acting as an intermediary or go-between for those parties.A person who acts as an intermediary or go-between in this way can be called a mediator. The act or process of mediating is called mediation. Mediation always involves a mediator acting as an impartial third party to guide the communication between the conflicting parties.Sometimes, mediation happens in an informal way. You might help two friends by mediating their argument. But the word is perhaps most commonly used in more specific ways in formal situations, such as when a mediator mediates a labor dispute between a company and its striking employees or when a mediator mediates a divorce for two spouses.When mediation occurs in an official or legal context, such as when it has been ordered by a judge, it is often called arbitration. Arbitration usually involves a decision that the parties are bound by. Mediation is typically less formal and usually involves suggestions for settling differences, as opposed to binding decisions.Example: I know you two have your differences, so I’d like to mediate a meeting to see if you can come to an understanding.