mediate

/ˈmidi.ət/verb

To help two opposing sides settle their disagreement and reach an agreement.

Example sentences

“A neutral colleague was asked to mediate the dispute between the two departments.”
“The former president agreed to mediate between the two warring countries.”

A mediator stays neutral and only helps the sides agree; an arbitrator, by contrast, imposes a decision.

Synonyms for mediate

intervene
intercede

Often confused with mediate

mediate vs meditate
mediate vs arbitrate

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

medicineA drug or other substance taken to treat illness and help the body heal.meddleTo involve yourself in matters that are not your business.mediocreOf only average quality; not as good as it should be.medalA flat piece of metal, usually round and stamped with a design, given as an award or honor.mediocrityThe state of being only average or ordinary, neither very good nor very bad.meanderTo move along a twisting, winding path, or to wander without a fixed direction.