intermediary

[in-ter-mee-dee-er-ee]

noun

plural

intermediaries 

1. an intermediate agent or agency; a go-between or mediator.

   Synonyms: umpire, arbitrator

2. a medium or means.

3. an intermediate form or stage.

adjective

1. being between; intermediate.

2. acting between persons, parties, etc.; serving as an intermediate agent or agency.

   an intermediary power.

intermediary

/ ˌɪntəˈmiːdɪərɪ /

noun

1. a person who acts as a mediator or agent between parties

2. something that acts as a medium or means

3. an intermediate state or period

adjective

1. acting as an intermediary

2. situated, acting, or coming between; intermediate

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermediary¹

1785–95; < Late Latin intermedi ( um ) intervening place + -ary; intermediate ¹

Example Sentences

Economists like to say that consumer spending is two-thirds of the economy, but gross domestic product only measures final output, not intermediary steps.

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James cascaded his directives down the chain of command through emails and intermediaries.

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On pricing, the companies have touted direct-to-consumer drug sales, which cut out intermediaries like insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, as an answer to the president’s demands.

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This is taking the side of local banks, other financial intermediaries and any business that has access to dollars and makes payroll in pesos.

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Buyers and intermediaries don’t expect the pace of credit secondaries to slow anytime soon and many have made sure they are well armed with capital to take advantage of future opportunities.

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Related Words

• broker 
• emissary 
• go-between 
• mediator 
• negotiator www.thesaurus.com