arbitration
ar-bih-TRAY-shun
/ˌɑːbɪˈtreɪʃn/
The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.
Unlike mediation, arbitration usually results in a 'binding' decision—the parties must follow what the arbitrator says.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'arbiter,' meaning a person who goes somewhere as a witness or judge. It comes from 'ad-' (to) + 'baetere' (to go).
Word relationships
- adjudication: Adjudication is done by a judge in a court; arbitration is done by a private third party.
- litigation: Litigation is the process of taking a dispute to a public court.
Commonly confused with
- mediation: In mediation, you agree together; in arbitration, someone else decides for you.
Word family
- arbitrate (verb): To reach an authoritative judgment or settlement.
- arbitrator (noun): An independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute.
Collocations
- binding arbitration
- submit to arbitration
- arbitration clause
Example sentences
- "The dispute over the maritime border was finally settled through international arbitration." International law.
- "Most modern employment contracts include a clause requiring arbitration rather than a lawsuit in the event of a dispute." Employment contracts.
Memory hook
An arbitrator is like a 'referee' who makes the final 'bit' of the decision. The final judge.
When not to use
Don't use it for a casual compromise; it implies a formal, quasi-legal process.
Fun facts
- The word 'arbitrary' comes from the same root, but it has come to mean 'based on random choice' rather than 'judicious.'
- The 'Alabama Claims' of 1872 was a landmark case of international arbitration between the US and Britain.
Related words
Explore more words
arbitrate, Binding, adjudicate, settlement, mediate, dispute
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