mediation
Americannoun
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action in mediating between parties, as to effect an agreement or reconciliation.
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International Law. an attempt to effect a peaceful settlement between disputing nations through the friendly good offices of another power.
noun
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the act of mediating; intercession
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international law an attempt to reconcile disputed matters arising between states, esp by the friendly intervention of a neutral power
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a method of resolving an industrial dispute whereby a third party consults with those involved and recommends a solution which is not, however, binding on the parties
Usage
What does mediation mean? Mediation is the act or process of mediating—helping 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. 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 participate in an informal mediation to help settle an argument. But the word is perhaps most commonly used in more specific ways in formal situations, such as mediation between a company and its striking employees or mediation between spouses who are getting divorced.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 recommend engaging in some formal mediation to see if you can come to an understanding.
Related Words
Mediation, arbitration designate processes for bringing about agreement or reconciliation between opponents in a dispute. Mediation implies deliberation that results in solutions that may or may not be accepted by the contending parties. Arbitration involves a more formal deliberation, it being understood that the results will be binding on the contending parties.
Other Word Forms
- nonmediation noun
- submediation noun
Etymology
Origin of mediation
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin mediātiōn-, stem of mediātiō “division in the middle, intervention,” from mediāt(us) “divided in the middle” (past participle of mediāre; mediate ) + -iō -ion
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.
"NI Water has made repeated efforts throughout 2025 to engage with Nipsa, including taking part in mediation earlier this month, and we remain open to continued discussion with the union."
From BBC
Heading that off will require American mediation, he said.
Gary’s estate can’t afford to pay more; it’s insolvent because of the CIM loan, his representatives explained in mediation this year.
Its almost constant refrain since the fighting restarted has been an appeal to return to the July ceasefire, and for international mediation.
From BBC
While the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights was involved in mediation, the Pomona case settlement was a private agreement among the parties.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
