Mediation
ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act or process of intervening between parties in a dispute to bring about an agreement or reconciliation.
ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃən
The act or process of intervening to resolve a conflict or dispute.
The couple agreed to enter mediation to resolve their divorce.
💡 Simply: Imagine two friends are fighting. Mediation is like having a neutral friend help them talk things out and find a way to get along again.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups can't agree, a mediator is like a helper who tries to find a way for them to get along.
More Examples
The company offered mediation to settle the contract dispute.
Mediation is a less adversarial way to resolve conflicts than going to court.
How It's Used
"The lawyers suggested mediation to avoid a lengthy court battle."
"The United Nations offered its mediation in the ongoing border dispute."
"Mediation is often used to resolve labor disputes between management and employees."
The act of intervening between people in a dispute or disagreement to achieve an agreement.
ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃən
The action of acting as an intermediary to find a solution.
Mediation helped avoid a costly lawsuit.
💡 Simply: It's like being a peacekeeper, helping people who are mad at each other to find a way to be friends again.
👶 For kids: Being the person who helps people who are arguing to stop and get along!
More Examples
The union offered mediation to resolve the salary dispute.
Successful mediation requires patience and good communication.
How It's Used
"Her skill in mediation helped resolve the neighborhood dispute quickly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Mediation process
The formal steps involved in the mediation of a dispute.
"The mediation process typically involves an opening statement, a presentation of each party's case, and a period of negotiation."
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
A variety of methods for resolving disputes outside of the formal court system, including mediation and arbitration.
"ADR methods, such as mediation, are increasingly used to resolve conflicts efficiently."
From Latin *mediatio* ("a being in the middle, a mediating"), from *mediare* ("to be in the middle, to mediate").
Used since the 16th century to describe the act of intervening between parties. It became more prominent in legal and business contexts during the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a *mediator* standing *in the middle* trying to bring people to a solution.
Word Origin
"a being in the middle, a mediating"