mediation
mee-dee-AY-shun
/ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn/
Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration.
Mediation is typically non-binding. The mediator facilitates conversation but does not impose a solution.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'medius', meaning 'middle'. A mediator is literally the 'middleman' who stands between two sides.
Word relationships
- conciliation: Conciliation is very similar but often focuses more on repairing the relationship between parties.
- confrontation: A direct and often hostile disagreement.
Commonly confused with
- arbitration: Mediation helps you agree; arbitration tells you what to do.
Word family
- mediate (verb): To intervene in a dispute.
- mediator (noun): The person who facilitates the mediation.
Collocations
- seek mediation
- mediation process
- successful mediation
Example sentences
- "The couple chose mediation to settle their divorce amicably without going to court." Family Law
- "The UN offered its services for mediation between the two warring border nations." International Conflict
Memory hook
Think of 'Medium' or 'Middle'. The mediator stays in the middle. Meeting in the middle.
When not to use
Do not use if the third party has the power to force a decision; use 'arbitration' instead.
Fun facts
- The word 'immediate' also comes from this root—it means 'with nothing in the middle' (no time or space between).
Related words
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