mediator

[ mee-dee-ey-ter ]

noun

1. a person who mediates, especially between parties at variance.

Other Words From

• medi·ator·ship noun
• under·medi·ator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediator¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Anglo-French mediatur, Old French mediatour, from Latin mediātor “go-between, intermediary”; mediate, -tor

Example Sentences

Cease-fire talks have all but fallen apart, and U.S. officials acknowledge none are taking place now, while Qatar, a key mediator, has withdrawn from the process.

From Los Angeles Times

Some faculty and students, for instance, want to eliminate police from campus entirely and use trained civilian mediators instead to address problems — using outside law enforcement to handle serious crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, efforts to reach a ceasefire have stalled, with Qatar suspending its work as a mediator until Hamas and Israel "show their willingness" to negotiate.

From BBC

In an average working day, Claudia Bowring has to play the role of detective, estate agent, family mediator and, occasionally, grief counsellor.

From BBC

Israel and Hamas took turns at being the impediment to agreement, each at one time or another moving the goal post, mediators say.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advocate
• arbiter
• arbitrator
• broker
• go-between
• intermediary
• judge
• negotiator
• peacemaker
• referee
• troubleshooter

More About Mediator

What does mediator mean?

A mediator is a person who mediates—helps 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.

The act or process of mediating is called mediation. 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 act as a mediator for two friends by mediating their argument. But the word is perhaps most commonly used in more specific ways in formal situations, such as when a mediator mediates a labor dispute between a company and its striking employees or when a mediator mediates a divorce for two spouses.

When mediation occurs in an official or legal context, such as when it has been ordered by a judge, it is often called arbitration and is performed by an arbitrator. 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’d like to act as a mediator while you talk it out and try to come to an understanding.

Where does mediator come from?

The first records of the word mediator come from the 1200s. It comes from the Latin verb mediāre, meaning “to be in the middle” or “to intercede.” The words intermediary and medium are related. The suffix -tor is used to indicate a person who performs a certain action—in this case, the action of mediating.

Being a mediator involves interceding in the middle of a conflict. A mediator is not there to take sides but instead to help promote agreement or reconciliation. In other words, the point of being a mediator is to help find common ground so that there is no longer a need to mediate. Successful mediation often involves compromise.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to mediator?

• mediate (verb)
• mediatorial (adjective)
• mediatory (adjective)

What are some synonyms for mediator?

• intermediary
• go-between
• arbitrator
• facilitator

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

• mediation
• remediation

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

 

• parties
• conflict
• arbitrate
• intercede
• intervene
• negotiation
• compromise
• agreement
• settlement
• dispute

How is mediator used in real life?

The word mediator can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it always involves someone acting to help two parties who are in conflict.

Today I basically had to be a mediator between two people who weren't communicating. One step closer to my dream of becoming Kara Danvers.

— Valerie Anne's Ghost 👻 (@PunkyStarshine) January 26, 2016

Lebanon parliament speaker Berri: Lebanon & Israel asked US to act as mediator to demarcate borders; once agreement reached it will be signed by Lebanon, Israel &UNIFIL;agreement stipulates US will exert efforts for a positive atmosphere for talks to succeed as fast as possible

— Zeina Khodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) October 1, 2020

Federal mediator to help resolve West Coast port contract dispute http://t.co/VtG22Rmz90

— L.A. Times Biz News (@latimesbiz) January 7, 2015

 

 

Try using mediator!

Which of the following words is a synonym of mediator?

A. intermediary
B. go-between
C. arbitrator
D. all of the above