mediate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to settle (disputes, strikes, etc.) as an intermediary between parties; reconcile.
- Synonyms:
- arbitrate
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to bring about (an agreement, accord, truce, peace, etc.) as an intermediary between parties by compromise, reconciliation, removal of misunderstanding, etc.
- Synonyms:
- arbitrate
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to effect (a result) or convey (a message, gift, etc.) by or as if by an intermediary.
verb (used without object)
adjective
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acting through, dependent on, or involving an intermediate agency; not direct or immediate.
verb
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(intr; usually foll by between or in) to intervene (between parties or in a dispute) in order to bring about agreement
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to bring about (an agreement)
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to bring about (an agreement) between parties in a dispute
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to resolve (differences) by mediation
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(intr) to be in a middle or intermediate position
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(tr) to serve as a medium for causing (a result) or transferring (objects, information, etc)
adjective
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occurring as a result of or dependent upon mediation
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a rare word for intermediate
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logic (of an inference) having more than one premise, esp, being syllogistic in form
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To effect or convey a force between subatomic particles. The gauge bosons, for example, mediate the four fundamental forces of nature.
Usage
What does mediate mean? Mediate means to help 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. 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 help 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. 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 mediate a meeting to see if you can come to an understanding.
Other Word Forms
- mediately adverb
- mediateness noun
- mediative adjective
- mediator noun
- mediatorially adverb
- self-mediating adjective
- unmediating adjective
Etymology
Origin of mediate
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin mediātus, past participle of mediāre “to be in the middle, intercede”; medium, -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Pakistan offered to mediate peace talks, an overture President Trump amplified on social media.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
Axios reported that Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan have been passing messages between the U.S. and Iran over the past two days to try to mediate a resolution.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
Beijing may also see a chance to help mediate talks along with other countries.
From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026
China will send a special envoy to mediate in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.
From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026
The historian has to mediate between the past and the present, finding a language which will convey to present readers the beliefs and convictions of people who thought quite differently.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.