Arbitrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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arbitrate

[ˈɑːbɪtreɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

To act as an impartial judge in a dispute; to settle a disagreement between two parties.

Synonyms

adjudicate, judge, mediate.

Examples of usage

  • The court appointed a mediator to arbitrate the case.
  • The two countries agreed to arbitrate their border dispute.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To make a judgement or decision; to determine an outcome.

Synonyms

decide, determine, resolve.

Examples of usage

  • I will arbitrate between the two options and choose the best one.
  • The teacher had to arbitrate the conflict between the students.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • Arbitration is a common practice in legal disputes where a neutral third party makes a decision for the parties involved.
  • Many contracts include arbitration clauses as a way to avoid lengthy court battles.
  • It can be faster and less expensive than traditional court proceedings, making it an attractive option for businesses.

Conflict Resolution

  • Arbitration involves two parties presenting their cases to an arbitrator, who then makes a binding decision.
  • It's often used in workplace disputes, family law matters, and international trade disagreements.
  • Some organizations offer mediation services, which is a similar process but focuses more on reaching a mutual agreement rather than decision-making.

Pop Culture

  • Movie plots often feature characters who must arbitrate between feuding families, reflecting the broader theme of conflict resolution.
  • TV shows sometimes include arbitration panels to settle disputes within fictional legal issues, emphasizing the idea of fairness.
  • The concept is seen in reality shows where contestants may need an impartial judge to resolve challenges.

Psychology

  • The effectiveness of arbitration can depend on the emotional intelligence of the arbitrator, which helps in understanding both parties' needs.
  • Research shows that perceived fairness in arbitration can lead to better outcomes and satisfaction for both parties.
  • The process encourages active listening and empathy, which are vital skills in all types of conflict resolution.

Origin of 'arbitrate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'arbitrate' comes from Latin 'arbitrari', meaning 'to give judgment'.
  • It has roots connected to the concept of an 'arbiter', someone who decides or judges in a dispute.
  • The word has been used in English since the late 14th century, reflecting its long-standing role in conflict resolution.

The word 'arbitrate' comes from the Latin word 'arbitratus', past participle of 'arbitrari' which means 'to give a decision'. The concept of arbitration has been used for centuries as a way to resolve disputes outside of formal court systems, with arbitrators acting as neutral third parties to help parties reach a resolution.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,579, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.