Mediate: meaning, definitions and examples
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mediate
[ˈmiːdieɪt ]
Definitions
communication
To intervene in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation between two parties.
Synonyms
arbitrate, facilitate, intercede, intermediate, negotiate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mediate |
Used when a neutral party helps two or more sides to come to an agreement or resolve a conflict.
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| intercede |
Used when someone intervenes on behalf of another person, often in a compassionate or advocating manner. This term can carry a formal or slightly old-fashioned tone.
|
| negotiate |
Used when two or more parties discuss terms and come to an agreement, often used in business or international settings.
|
| intermediate |
Used to describe something in the middle position or stage, not directly related to resolving conflicts or negotiations. Refers more to placing or stages.
|
| arbitrate |
Used when an independent person or body makes a formal judgement to resolve a dispute, often in legal or formal settings.
|
| facilitate |
Used when someone makes an action or process easier or smoother, often in meetings or group settings.
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Examples of usage
- He was brought in to mediate between the two warring factions.
- The teacher mediated the conflict between the students.
- The government mediated a peace treaty between the countries.
- The mediator helped mediate a resolution between the disputing parties.
- An external mediator was appointed to mediate the negotiations.
psychology
To engage in mediation as a way of resolving conflicts or disputes.
Synonyms
conciliate, intervene, moderate, resolve.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mediate |
This is used when a neutral party facilitates discussions to help conflicting parties reach a mutual agreement, often in legal or formal disputes.
|
| intervene |
This is used when someone steps in to alter the course of events, often to prevent something bad from happening. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if seen as intrusive.
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| resolve |
This word is applied when a final decision or solution is reached to end a disagreement or issue.
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| moderate |
This is often used when someone controls and keeps discussions or activities balanced and fair, typically in debates or meetings.
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| conciliate |
This word is generally used in contexts where restoring peace and goodwill after a disagreement or creating a positive relationship is the focus.
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Examples of usage
- The therapist mediated between the conflicting emotions of the patient.
- The counselor mediated the communication between the family members.
- The mediator helped the couple mediate their differences.
- The psychologist mediated the conflict resolution process.
technology
To facilitate communication between different devices or systems.
Synonyms
connect, facilitate, intercede, relay, transmit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mediate |
Used in conflict resolution or negotiation situations where a neutral party helps to resolve disputes.
|
| facilitate |
Suitably used in contexts where someone or something makes a process easier or more efficient.
|
| intercede |
Involves stepping in to try to help solve a disagreement or to plead on someone's behalf. Often has a more formal or advocacy tone.
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| transmit |
Commonly used in technical or formal contexts involving the transfer of signals, data, or diseases.
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| relay |
Typically used when passing on information from one person or place to another.
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| connect |
Used when linking people, places, or things together, often to establish communication.
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Examples of usage
- The router mediates the connection between the computer and the internet.
- The software program is designed to mediate data transfer between servers.
- The interface helps mediate the interaction between the user and the application.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'mediate' comes from the Latin 'mediatio,' meaning 'the act of being in the middle.'
- In English, 'mediate' started being used in the late 14th century.
- 'Medium' and 'mediation' share the same root, highlighting the concept of being between two parties.
Psychology
- Mediation is recognized as a conflict resolution technique that can reduce stress and anger.
- Studies show that mediation can lead to better outcomes than competitive negotiation, fostering collaboration.
- Effective mediators often use techniques such as active listening to understand both sides deeply.
Cultural Practices
- Various cultures have traditional forms of mediation, like the 'talking circle' used by Indigenous peoples in North America.
- In many countries, mediation is encouraged legally as a way to resolve disputes outside of court.
- The concept of mediation is not limited to legal matters; it can be applied in relationships, businesses, and even community conflicts.
Legal Context
- Mediation often serves as an alternative to litigation, providing a less formal and often quicker resolution.
- Many legal systems now require parties to attempt mediation before court procedures to alleviate backlog.
- In family law, mediation is frequently used to resolve issues like custody arrangements amicably.
Pop Culture
- TV shows often portray a mediator as a peacemaker, showcasing their role in resolving conflicts dramatically.
- Documentaries have explored the success of mediation in international conflicts, highlighting its impact on peace efforts.
- Writers and filmmakers sometimes use mediation as a plot device, where a character attempts to reconcile opposing factions.
Translations
Translations of the word "mediate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mediar
🇮🇳 मध्यस्थता करना
🇩🇪 vermitteln
🇮🇩 memediasi
🇺🇦 посередничати
🇵🇱 mediować
🇯🇵 仲介する
🇫🇷 médier
🇪🇸 mediar
🇹🇷 aracılık etmek
🇰🇷 중재하다
🇸🇦 يتوسط
🇨🇿 zprostředkovat
🇸🇰 sprostredkovať
🇨🇳 调解
🇸🇮 posredovati
🇮🇸 miðla málum
🇰🇿 делдалдық ету
🇬🇪 შუამავლობა
🇦🇿 vasitəçilik etmək
🇲🇽 mediar