mediation

[ mee-dee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. action in mediating between parties, as to effect an agreement or reconciliation.
2. International Law. an attempt to effect a peaceful settlement between disputing nations through the friendly good offices of another power.

mediation

/ ˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of mediating; intercession
2. international law an attempt to reconcile disputed matters arising between states, esp by the friendly intervention of a neutral power
3. a method of resolving an industrial dispute whereby a third party consults with those involved and recommends a solution which is not, however, binding on the parties

mediation

1. The attempt to settle a dispute through a neutral party.

Other Words From

• nonme·di·ation noun
• subme·di·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin mediātiōn-, stem of mediātiō “division in the middle, intervention,” from mediāt(us) “divided in the middle” (past participle of mediāre; mediate ) + -iō -ion

Synonym Study

Mediation, arbitration designate processes for bringing about agreement or reconciliation between opponents in a dispute. Mediation implies deliberation that results in solutions that may or may not be accepted by the contending parties. Arbitration involves a more formal deliberation, it being understood that the results will be binding on the contending parties.

Example Sentences

Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman said Hamas’s office no longer had a function because Qatar had suspended its mediation efforts on a Gaza ceasefire deal, although he stressed that it was not permanently closed.

From BBC

The lawyer said that if the celebrity did not agree to a “confidential mediation,” then the lawyer would “take a different course,” the suit claims.

From Los Angeles Times

The employee who filed the complaint was able to enter into a mediation with the state agency and their employer.

From Los Angeles Times

When someone makes a complaint, the organisation will offer advice, dispute resolution, mediation and help take matters to police if appropriate.

From BBC

The blasts came as Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Cairo to try to nudge along Egyptian mediation for a cease-fire and hostage-release accord between Israel and Hamas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arbitration
• conciliation
• intervention
• negotiation
• reconciliation

More About Mediation

What does mediation mean?

Mediation is the act or process of mediating—helping to settle a dispute or create agreement when there is conflict between two or more people or groups by acting as an intermediary or go-between for those parties.

A person who acts as an intermediary or go-between in this way can be called a mediator. Mediation always involves a mediator acting as an impartial third party to guide the communication between the conflicting parties.

Sometimes, mediation happens in an informal way. You might help two friends participate in an informal mediation to help settle an argument. But the word is perhaps most commonly used in more specific ways in formal situations, such as mediation between a company and its striking employees or mediation between spouses who are getting divorced.

When mediation occurs in an official or legal context, such as when it has been ordered by a judge, it is often called arbitration. Arbitration usually involves a decision that the parties are bound by. Mediation is typically less formal and usually involves suggestions for settling differences, as opposed to binding decisions.

Example: I know you two have your differences, so I recommend engaging in some formal mediation to see if you can come to an understanding.

Where does mediation come from?

The first records of the word mediation come from the 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb mediāre, meaning “to be in the middle” or “to intercede.” The words intermediary and medium are related.

Mediation involves a third party interceding in the middle of a conflict. This person, called a mediator, is not there to take sides but instead to help promote agreement or reconciliation. In other words, the point of mediation is to find common ground so that there is no longer a need for a mediator. Successful mediation often involves compromise.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to mediation?

• mediate (verb)

What are some synonyms for mediation?

• arbitration
• conciliation
• reconciliation

What are some words that share a root or word element with mediation? 

• mediator
• mediatorial
• mediatory
• remediation
• intermediary

What are some words that often get used in discussing mediation?

 

• parties
• conflict
• negotiation
• compromise
• agreement
• settlement
• dispute
• law

How is mediation used in real life?

The word mediation is most commonly used in formal contexts.

I was wondering why I felt so uncomfortable watching this debate, then I realized I probably have some unresolved trauma from some past roommate conflict mediation meetings.

— Eric (@eric_kang) September 30, 2020

“As a lawyer, I knew that confusion around terms like “mediation”, “arbitration” and “conciliation” can spell disaster,” said Ms Delcy Lagones de Anglim, an accredited mediator since 2014. #FacesofSCM #TgtWeWin #SGMediates pic.twitter.com/3pLW0SfZls

— Ministry of Law, Singapore (@minlawsg) October 3, 2020

Delighted to see family law taking centre stage. Badly needed reform for matrimonial litigants & lay litigants. Access to mediation/welfare services on site will also be hugely beneficial for access/guardianship/divorce/separation. https://t.co/9uAuhDAk8O

— ⚖️Josepha Madigan ✨ (@josephamadigan) October 2, 2020

 

 

Try using mediation!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of mediation?

A. argument
B. reconciliation
C. arbitration
D. conciliation