Conciliator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conciliator

[kənˈsɪlɪˌeɪtər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

professional role

A conciliator is a person who helps parties in a conflict to reach an agreement, especially in a legal context. They facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties involved, aiming to find common ground and resolve disputes.

Synonyms

arbitrator, mediator, peacemaker.

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Word Description / Examples
conciliator

A conciliator works to smooth over conflicts and help people come to an agreement by fostering a positive relationship. Often used in personal or informal disputes.

  • The conciliator helped the neighbors resolve their argument over the property line.
  • As a conciliator, she calmed both parties down and found a mutual solution.
mediator

A mediator helps conflicting parties communicate and negotiate to reach a mutually acceptable solution, without forcing a decision. Common in legal and professional settings.

  • The mediator facilitated the divorce negotiations to ensure both parties felt heard and understood.
  • During the contract negotiations, they hired a mediator to help find common ground.
arbitrator

An arbitrator is an impartial expert called upon to make a final decision in a dispute that both sides agree to accept. Often used in legal, business, or formal disputes.

  • The company and the union couldn’t agree, so they brought in an arbitrator to settle the dispute.
  • The arbitrator's decision is binding and must be followed by both parties.
peacemaker

A peacemaker seeks to establish peace and harmony by resolving disputes and promoting understanding, often in personal or community conflicts.

  • In the family dispute, she played the role of peacemaker and restored calm.
  • As a peacemaker, he often helped his friends resolve their arguments.

Examples of usage

  • The conciliator met with both sides to discuss their grievances.
  • She acted as a conciliator to help the warring factions come to a peaceful resolution.
  • The conciliator's role is to mediate between the conflicting parties and promote understanding.
  • The conciliator's impartiality is essential for building trust and fostering cooperation.
  • The conciliator's skills in conflict resolution are highly valued in resolving complex disputes.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • In ancient Rome, conciliators played essential roles in resolving conflicts between factions, reflecting the importance of peace in governance.
  • The concept became crucial during the Enlightenment, emphasizing rational thought in resolving disputes through dialogue.
  • Modern negotiations often employ professional conciliators, especially in international relations to avoid war.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, conciliators are often depicted as diplomats or individuals that negotiate peace, like the character from '12 Angry Men' who helps settle a jury dispute.
  • TV shows about courtrooms sometimes showcase characters as conciliators, aiming to resolve family disputes or business conflicts without a trial.
  • The increasing emphasis on restorative justice highlights conciliators as vital figures in popular media discussions about crime and punishment.

Psychology

  • Conciliators often utilize negotiation techniques based on empathy to understand perspectives and foster a cooperative environment.
  • Research shows that effective conciliators can reduce hostility and promote healthier communication, benefiting both parties involved.
  • The ability to remain neutral and focused on resolutions is a key trait identified in psychological studies on conflict resolution.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of reconciliation, with characters acting as conciliators to resolve conflicts, such as in 'Romeo and Juliet' where Friar Laurence attempts to mediate.
  • Charles Dickens' characters often embody conciliatory traits, emphasizing the power of compassion in resolving socio-economic conflicts.
  • In poetry, conciliators are celebrated as symbols of hope and unity, often described in metaphors relating to light and new beginnings.

Origin of 'conciliator'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Latin word 'conciliator,' which means 'to bring together or unite.'
  • The root 'con-' means 'together,' while 'cilium' refers to 'eyelash' but can imply 'fringe' – suggesting gathering close.
  • The term has evolved in English to describe not just peacemakers but also diplomats and mediators.

The word 'conciliator' has Latin roots, deriving from the verb 'conciliare' meaning 'to bring together, unite, make friendly.' The concept of conciliation has been present throughout history in various forms of conflict resolution. Conciliators play a crucial role in promoting harmony and resolving disputes peacefully.


See also: conciliate, conciliatory, reconciliate.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,417 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.