noun
mediator
MEE-dee-ay-ter/ˈmiːdieɪtər/
An intermediary through which separate parties or factors interact.
The mediator listens to both people seated across the table.
Etymology
To “be in the middle” became to intervene between people. A mediator is thus someone who stands between opposing sides to help bring about reconciliation.
In context
understand all sides of any situation manage tough situations gracefully and prefer to be persuasive rather than forceful when attempting to persuade others they may be looked to as a mediator in any dispute
More examples
- A mediator helps the neighbors agree on a shared fence.
- Both companies choose a mediator to help settle their dispute.
- Histamine acts as a mediator of the body's inflammatory response.
Forms
Similar words
- intermediary
- An intermediary connects parties without necessarily helping resolve disagreements.
- arbitrator
- An arbitrator decides disputes rather than helping parties reach agreement.