mediate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to settle (disputes, strikes, etc.) as an intermediary between parties; reconcile.
- Synonyms:
- arbitrate
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to bring about (an agreement, accord, truce, peace, etc.) as an intermediary between parties by compromise, reconciliation, removal of misunderstanding, etc.
- Synonyms:
- arbitrate
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to effect (a result) or convey (a message, gift, etc.) by or as if by an intermediary.
verb (used without object)
adjective
verb
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(intr; usually foll by between or in) to intervene (between parties or in a dispute) in order to bring about agreement
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to bring about (an agreement)
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to bring about (an agreement) between parties in a dispute
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to resolve (differences) by mediation
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(intr) to be in a middle or intermediate position
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(tr) to serve as a medium for causing (a result) or transferring (objects, information, etc)
adjective
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occurring as a result of or dependent upon mediation
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a rare word for intermediate
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logic (of an inference) having more than one premise, esp, being syllogistic in form
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- mediately adverb
- mediateness noun
- mediative adjective
- mediator noun
- mediatorially adverb
- self-mediating adjective
- unmediating adjective
Etymology
Origin of mediate
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The unions complained to an independent unit within government which has now offered to intervene by mediating between the unions and McDonald's.
From BBC
"I would like China to play a mediating role on issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea's nuclear program. All our channels are completely blocked," he said he told Xi.
From Barron's
Nato did not intervene but its most powerful member the US was able to help mediate.
From BBC
Spain on Saturday offered to mediate in the crisis between the United States and Venezuela after US attacks on Caracas and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who was flown out of his country.
From Barron's
Spain offered to mediate in the crisis in an attempt to broker a negotiated and peaceful solution.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
