mediator

[mee-dee-ey-ter]

noun

1. a person who mediates, especially between parties at variance.

Other Word Forms

• mediatorship noun
• undermediator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediator¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Anglo-French mediatur, Old French mediatour, from Latin mediātor “go-between, intermediary”; mediate, -tor

Example Sentences

Hamas said the negotiations were "responsible and serious" and called on the US and other mediators to ensure that Israel implements the deal "without disavowal or delay".

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He added that the talks were "tough and have yet to produce any real breakthrough", but noted that mediators were working hard to narrow the gaps between the two sides.

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He added that the talks are "tough and have yet to produce any real breakthrough," but noted that mediators are working hard to narrow the gaps between the two sides.

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The movement's carefully crafted statement - thought to have been drafted with the help of mediators - stopped short of outright rejection and instead offered a qualified "yes".

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Arab and Turkish mediators are understood to be pressing Hamas for a positive response to the proposal, but a senior Hamas figure has said the armed group is likely to reject it.

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Related Words

• advocate 
• arbiter 
• arbitrator 
• broker 
• go-between 
• intermediary 
• judge 
• negotiator www.thesaurus.com
• peacemaker 
• referee 
• troubleshooter 

When To Use

What does mediator mean?

A mediator is a person who mediates—helps 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.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 act as a mediator for 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 and is performed by an arbitrator. 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 act as a mediator while you talk it out and try to come to an understanding.