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mediate

MEE-dee-ayt /ˈmiːdieɪt/

verbB2GRESATIELTSTOEFL

ProfessionalLegalAcademic

To act as an intermediary between opposing parties in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation.

Implies a neutral third party who helps the disputing parties find their own solution, rather than imposing one.

The story behind the word. The word 'mediate' traces back to the Latin 'medius', meaning 'middle'. When you mediate, you literally place yourself in the middle of two warring factions, acting as a human bridge to connect their opposing sides.

Word relationships

arbitrate: Arbitrate involves making a binding decision, whereas mediate involves helping parties reach their own agreement.
negotiate: Negotiate is done directly by the parties involved, while mediate requires a neutral third party.

instigate: Instigate means to provoke or stir up conflict, whereas mediate aims to resolve it.

Commonly confused with

meditate: Meditate means to reflect deeply or practice mindfulness, while mediate means to resolve a dispute between others.

Word family

mediation (noun): The process of mediating a dispute.
mediator (noun): A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement.

Collocations

mediate a dispute
mediate between parties
successfully mediate

Example sentences

"The diplomat was called in to mediate the border dispute between the two neighboring nations." International Diplomacy
"The government has agreed to mediate in the dispute." Labor Relations

Memory hook

Think of 'mediate' as standing in the 'immediate' 'middle' to help two sides meet. In the middle to make peace.

When not to use

Do not use when the third party has the power to make a binding decision; use arbitrate instead.

Fun facts

In international law, mediation is one of the oldest formal methods of alternative dispute resolution, dating back to ancient Phoenician trade disputes.