mediation
mee-dee-AY-shuhn
/ˌmiː.diˈeɪ.ʃən/
Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration.
Specifically refers to a voluntary, non-binding process where an impartial third party helps disputants reach their own agreement, unlike litigation.
The story behind the word. Mediation comes from the Late Latin 'mediatio', which derives from 'medius', meaning 'middle'. A mediator is literally the person who steps into the exact middle of a conflict to stand between two opposing sides and pull them together.
Word relationships
- arbitration: Arbitration involves a third party making a binding decision, whereas mediation helps the parties reach their own mutual agreement.
- conciliation: Conciliation is highly similar but often focuses more on restoring damaged relationships before addressing the physical dispute.
- litigation: Litigation is resolving a dispute through a formal court trial, which is adversarial rather than cooperative.
- confrontation: Confrontation is direct, often hostile clash without any third-party assistance.
Commonly confused with
- meditation: Meditation is a mental practice of focus and deep breathing, while mediation is the act of resolving a dispute between parties.
Word family
- mediate (verb): To act as a go-between in a dispute.
- mediator (noun): A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement.
Collocations
- seek mediation
- mediation process
- successful mediation
Example sentences
- "The strike was averted at the last minute through the successful mediation of a federal negotiator." Labor dispute resolution
- "Mediation offers a confidential and cost-effective alternative to a lengthy court battle." Legal textbook
Memory hook
Look at the 'media' in 'mediation'—it means 'middle'. A mediator goes in the middle of a fight. Mediation meets in the middle.
When not to use
Do not use when a judge or authority figure simply imposes a ruling; that is 'adjudication' or 'arbitration', not mediation.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece, the role of mediator was highly respected; in Athens, public mediators (called 'diaetetae') were appointed from citizens who had reached the age of sixty.
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