noun
mediation
mee-dee-AY-shuhn/ˌmiːdiˈeɪʃn/
The action of an intervening agent connecting separate sides.
The neighbors use mediation to settle their dispute over the fence.
Etymology
From an action of halving or being in the middle, mediation came to mean acting as an intermediary. In a dispute, that middle role is intervention between the opposing sides.
In context
Sometimes parties can settle out of court or try mediation to resolve the issue faster and with less stress.
More examples
- Both sides agree to try mediation before going to court.
- Her mediation helps the two departments coordinate their work.
- Through the counselor's mediation, the siblings reach an agreement.
Forms
Similar words
- arbitration
- An arbitrator decides the dispute rather than helping parties agree.
- negotiation
- Parties discuss terms directly, without necessarily involving a neutral intermediary.