arbitrate
AHR-bih-trayt
/ˈɑːrbɪtreɪt/
To act as an official judge to settle a dispute between two parties.
Arbitration is typically binding, meaning the parties must follow the arbitrator's decision, unlike mediation.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'arbiter', which originally referred to someone who goes somewhere as a witness or a judge. It suggests a person who is 'on the scene' to make a fair call.
Word relationships
- adjudicate: Adjudicate implies a court-like setting, while arbitrate is often a private alternative to court.
- agitate: Agitating involves stirring up conflict rather than settling it.
Commonly confused with
- mediate: Mediation helps parties reach their own agreement; arbitration imposes a decision on them.
Word family
- arbitration (noun): The process of settling a dispute through an arbiter.
- arbitrator (noun): The person appointed to settle the dispute.
Collocations
- arbitrate a dispute
- agree to arbitrate
- power to arbitrate
Example sentences
- "The union and management agreed to arbitrate their differences after months of failed negotiations." Labor relations
- "A special commission was appointed to arbitrate the maritime border dispute between the two nations." International law
Memory hook
Think of an 'Arbiter' in a video game who has the final word on who wins the battle. Arbiter = Final Decider.
When not to use
Do not use for casual advice-giving; it implies a formal, often legal, authority.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, an arbiter was often a friend of both parties chosen to settle a personal disagreement.
Related words
Explore more words
adjudicate, arbitration, mediate, mediation, impartial, preside
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