WordValemediate
to intervene to settle a dispute
In more detail
1. (verb) to help two people or groups reach an agreement by talking to them and suggesting solutions
2. (verb) to be in the middle of something and connect two parts or people
Examples
- 1. A lawyer will mediate between the two companies to help them settle the dispute.
- 2. The nervous system mediates between the brain and the rest of the body.
How to use mediate
Mediate means to intervene in a disagreement or to act as a go-between, emphasizing neutral facilitation rather than imposing a solution. It is commonly used in legal, diplomatic, and workplace contexts. Unlike arbitrate (which implies making a binding decision), mediate suggests helping parties find their own agreement.
Common phrases
- mediate a dispute
- mediate between parties
- mediate a conflict
- mediate a settlement
- act as mediator
Synonyms
arbitrate · intercede · negotiate · intervene · broker
Word family
mediator · mediation · mediated
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use mediate when they mean intermediate or mean something is positioned physically between two things; mediate specifically implies active intervention to resolve conflict or facilitate communication.
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