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Mediator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mediator

[ˈmiːdiˌeɪtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement; a go-between.

Synonyms

arbitrator, intermediary, negotiator.

Examples of usage

  • The mediator helped the two parties reach a compromise.
  • She acted as a mediator in the dispute between the neighbors.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A neutral third party who helps two or more parties in a dispute communicate effectively and reach a mutual agreement.

Synonyms

counselor, facilitator, peacemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mediator

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.
facilitator

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.
counselor

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.
peacemaker

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.

Examples of usage

  • The mediator facilitated a constructive conversation between the family members.
  • The couple decided to seek the help of a mediator to resolve their differences.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A person who helps to bring about an agreement or reconciliation between opposing parties.

Synonyms

conciliator, intermediator, middleman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mediator

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.
conciliator

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.
middleman

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.

Examples of usage

  • The mediator played a key role in settling the dispute.
  • His role as a mediator was crucial in resolving the conflict.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Conflict Resolution

  • Mediators bridge gaps between conflicting parties, often improving communication and building trust.
  • Many court systems encourage mediation as a way to resolve disputes without going to trial, saving time and resources.
  • Effective mediators employ techniques like active listening and empathy to ensure all voices are heard.

Pop Culture

  • Mediators often appear in movies and TV shows, showcasing how they help resolve family disputes or workplace conflicts.
  • In popular literature, mediators are sometimes portrayed as wise characters who guide others to solutions, like the counselor in a fairy tale.
  • The role of mediators has gained prominence in reality shows focusing on family dynamics and relationship issues.

Psychology

  • Research shows that mediation can lead to better emotional outcomes for all parties involved, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Mediation promotes a collaborative mindset, encouraging individuals to work together rather than against each other.
  • The presence of a mediator can transform a hostile environment into a more supportive and understanding space.

Education

  • Mediation techniques are taught in conflict resolution courses in schools to help students learn better ways to handle disagreements.
  • Teachers often use mediation processes when resolving conflicts among students, fostering a peaceful school climate.
  • Peer mediation programs empower students to act as mediators, helping their classmates resolve issues amongst themselves.

Origin of 'mediator'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mediator', which means 'one who mediates or stands in the middle'.
  • The concept has been around since ancient times, as people sought to resolve conflicts peacefully.
  • In legal contexts, the term has evolved to refer specifically to professionals trained to facilitate discussions.

The word 'mediator' originated from the Latin word 'mediator', which means 'one who mediates'. The concept of mediation dates back to ancient times when mediators were used to resolve disputes and conflicts. In modern times, mediation has become an important method of resolving conflicts in various fields such as law, psychology, and diplomacy.

See also: intermediate, mediatable, mediate, mediation, mediators.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,819, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.