Arbitration
/ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃən/
nounIntermediateCommonLegal
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
The settling of a dispute by an impartial third party (an arbitrator).
/ˌɑːrbɪˈtreɪʃən/
nounneutralIntermediate
Legal
A method of resolving disputes outside the courts.
The two companies agreed to arbitration to resolve their contract dispute.
💡 Simply: A way to solve a disagreement without going to court.
More Examples
2
Arbitration is often faster and cheaper than litigation.
How It's Used
Law
"The contract stipulated that any disputes would be settled through binding arbitration."
Business
"They chose arbitration to avoid a lengthy and costly court battle."
From Middle French *arbitracion*, from Latin *arbitrātiō*, from *arbitrāri* "to judge, decide".
Historically, arbitration was used to resolve disputes between individuals and states, as well as commercial matters.
Memory tip
Think 'arbiter' - someone who settles arguments.
Practice
Base: arbitrate
arbitratrionarbetrationarbitrationn
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written