Intermediary
ˌɪntərˈmiːdiəri
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or thing that acts as a link between people or things, especially to mediate.
ˌɪntərˈmiːdiəri
A person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement; a mediator.
A neutral third party served as an intermediary in the labor dispute.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to help two friends who are arguing. You're the intermediary – you talk to both of them and try to help them find a solution. It's like being a go-between!
👶 For kids: Someone who helps two people who are having a problem talk to each other and be friends again.
More Examples
The lawyer acted as an intermediary between the divorcing couple.
He hired a consultant to act as an intermediary between the company and its suppliers.
How It's Used
"The broker acted as an intermediary in the sale of the property."
"The ambassador served as an intermediary between the two warring nations."
"Banks and financial institutions often act as intermediaries between savers and borrowers."
Acting as a means of communication or connection.
ˌɪntərˈmiːdiəri
Acting as a mediator or means of communication.
The satellite provided an intermediary link for the broadcast.
💡 Simply: If something is intermediary, it means it’s helping to connect two things or people. For example, a website might be an intermediary that helps you buy something from a company.
👶 For kids: Something that is in the middle and helps two things talk or get connected.
More Examples
An intermediary step is required before the final process.
The report presented the data in an intermediary format before final analysis.
How It's Used
"The email served as an intermediary channel for information sharing."
"The peace talks were held under intermediary supervision."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
through an intermediary
Via a person or thing that acts as a mediator.
"They purchased the property through an intermediary."
From Middle French *intermédiare* (14th century), from Latin *intermedius* ('lying between'), from *inter* ('between') + *medius* ('middle').
The word began to be used in legal and business contexts during the 17th century, referring to agents or mediators.
Memory tip
Think of an 'inter' (between) 'mediary' (middle person).
Word Origin
"lying between, in the middle"