mediation
mee-dee-AY-shuhn
/ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn/
Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; an attempt to bring about a peaceful settlement or compromise between disputants.
A mediator does not have the power to force a decision; their role is to facilitate communication so the parties can agree themselves.
The story behind the word. From 'medius' (middle). A mediator is literally the 'middleman' who stands between two opposing sides to help them find common ground.
Word relationships
- intervention: Intervention is a broader term for getting involved in any situation; mediation is specifically for resolving disputes.
- conciliation: Conciliation is very similar but often focuses more on repairing the emotional relationship between parties.
- instigation: The act of starting or provoking a conflict rather than resolving it.
Commonly confused with
- arbitration: Mediation is non-binding and facilitative; arbitration is binding and adjudicative.
Word family
- mediator (noun): A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement.
- mediate (verb): To intervene in a dispute.
Collocations
- seek mediation
- mediation process
- formal mediation
- act as a mediator
Example sentences
- "The divorcing couple chose mediation to help them divide their assets fairly without the hostility of a courtroom." Family law
- "The HR department offered mediation services to resolve the ongoing friction between the two department heads." Workplace conflict
Memory hook
A MEDIator is in the MEDIum (middle) of the fight. The person in the middle.
When not to use
Don't use if the person is making the final decision (that's arbitration).
Fun facts
- In some countries, mediation is a mandatory first step before a judge will even hear a civil case.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.