Mediator: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a neutral third party who helps negotiate and resolve a dispute between two or more parties. Common in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts.

• The company hired a mediator to help resolve the labor dispute.
• During the peace talks, the mediator played a crucial role in bringing both sides to an agreement.

Describes someone who helps groups work together more effectively, usually in meetings, workshops, or training sessions. The role focuses on enabling productive discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

• The facilitator guided the team through the brainstorming session.
• At the workshop, the facilitator ensured that everyone had a chance to contribute.

Refers to a professional who provides guidance, advice, or therapy to individuals or groups. Often used in contexts involving emotional and psychological support, such as in schools, mental health, or career advice.

• She decided to see a counselor to cope with her anxiety.
• The school counselor helped him choose the right college.

Used to describe someone who actively strives to create harmony and resolve conflicts, often in personal or community settings. It has a more proactive and sometimes informal connotation compared to 'mediator'.

• He is known as a peacemaker among his friends, always settling arguments.
• The community leader acted as a peacemaker during the neighborhood dispute.

A person who helps two parties to resolve a conflict or come to an agreement, often in a formal setting.

• The mediator helped the two companies reach a settlement.
• During the divorce proceedings, they hired a mediator to ensure a fair resolution.

A person who attempts to make peace between people, often used in more informal or personal situations.

• She acted as a conciliator between her two friends who were arguing.
• The teacher served as a conciliator to resolve the dispute in the classroom.

A person who buys goods from producers and sells them to consumers, or who arranges deals between people or companies. Sometimes has a negative connotation implying unnecessary expense.

• The farmer decided to bypass the middleman and sell directly to consumers.
• They cut out the middleman to reduce costs.