Go-between: meaning, definitions and examples

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go-between

 

[ ˈɡəʊbɪˌtwiːn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

communication

A person who acts as an intermediary or messenger between two people or groups, especially in a dispute.

Synonyms

intermediary, mediator, middleman.

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Word Description / Examples
go-between

A go-between is often used in informal or casual contexts to describe someone who acts as a messenger or liaison between two parties. The term can carry a slightly negative connotation, hinting at secrecy or lack of direct communication between the involved parties.

  • She acted as a go-between for the two companies, passing messages back and forth.
intermediary

An intermediary is typically used in formal or business contexts to describe a neutral party who facilitates communication or transactions between two other parties. It is generally viewed as a professional role.

  • The company hired an intermediary to help negotiate the contract.
  • An intermediary was necessary to settle the dispute between the two firms.
mediator

A mediator is used when describing someone who helps resolve conflicts or disputes between parties. This term is common in legal, diplomatic, and conflict resolution settings, emphasizing the person's role in facilitating agreement and understanding.

  • A mediator was brought in to help the divorcing couple reach an amicable settlement.
  • The mediator played a crucial role in resolving the labor dispute.
middleman

A middleman is often used in commercial contexts, referring to someone who buys goods from producers and sells them to consumers, usually at a profit. This term can carry a negative connotation, implying unnecessary markup or adding layers to the process.

  • Consumers often pay higher prices because of the involvement of a middleman.
  • By eliminating the middleman, the company was able to reduce costs and increase profits.

Examples of usage

  • He was appointed as the go-between in the negotiations between the two countries.
  • The go-between helped to facilitate the communication between the two parties.

Translations

Translations of the word "go-between" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intermediário

🇮🇳 मध्यस्थ

🇩🇪 Vermittler

🇮🇩 perantara

🇺🇦 посередник

🇵🇱 pośrednik

🇯🇵 仲介者 (ちゅうかいしゃ)

🇫🇷 intermédiaire

🇪🇸 intermediario

🇹🇷 aracı

🇰🇷 중개인 (jung-gae-in)

🇸🇦 وسيط

🇨🇿 prostředník

🇸🇰 prostredník

🇨🇳 中间人 (zhōngjiānrén)

🇸🇮 posrednik

🇮🇸 milliliður

🇰🇿 делдал

🇬🇪 შუამავალი

🇦🇿 vasitəçi

🇲🇽 intermediario

Etymology

The term 'go-between' originated in the 17th century, derived from the combination of 'go' and 'between'. It has been used to refer to a person who mediates or facilitates communication between two parties since its inception.