arbitration
ar-bih-TRAY-shun
/ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃn/
The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute.
Arbitration is usually 'binding', meaning the parties must follow the arbitrator's decision as if it were a court order.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'arbiter', meaning a person who goes somewhere as a witness or a judge. It implies someone who 'comes in' from the outside to see the truth.
Word relationships
- adjudication: Adjudication is the formal legal process in a court; arbitration is a private alternative.
- litigation: Litigation is the process of taking a case to a public court.
Commonly confused with
- mediation: An arbitrator makes a decision for you; a mediator helps you make your own decision.
Word family
- arbitrate (verb): To act as an arbitrator.
- arbitrator (noun): The person appointed to settle the dispute.
Collocations
- binding arbitration
- arbitration clause
- submit to arbitration
Example sentences
- "The union and the company finally agreed to go to binding arbitration to end the strike." Labor Dispute
- "Most modern employment contracts include an arbitration clause to avoid costly litigation." Contract Law
Memory hook
An Arbitrator is like a 'Bit' of a judge. They make the final 'bit' of the decision. The final word.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'mediation', which is usually non-binding.
Fun facts
- The word 'arbitrary' comes from the same root, but it has come to mean 'random' or 'whimsical', whereas 'arbitration' implies a reasoned decision.
Related words
Explore more words
arbitrate, Binding, adjudicate, settlement, mediate, dispute
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