arbitrate

UK: ˈɑːbɪtreɪt | US: ˈɑːrbɪtreɪt

Definition
  1. vt. to officially settle a dispute between two parties by making a judgment or decision

  2. vi. to act as an arbitrator in a conflict

Structure
arbit <judge>rate <verb suffix>arbit <judge>rate <verb suffix>
Etymology

arbitrate = arbit<judge> + rate<verb suffix>

  • arbit<judge>: From Latin arbiter (judge, umpire), derived from ad- (to) + baetere (to come, go). Originally referred to someone who observes or decides.
  • rate<verb suffix>: A verb-forming suffix in English, indicating action or process.

Etymology Origin:
The word "arbitrate" traces back to Latin arbitratus, the past participle of arbitrari (to judge). The root arbiter originally described a neutral third party who "went to observe" a dispute (ad- + baetere). Over time, it evolved into the modern sense of formal mediation. The suffix -ate marks it as a verb, emphasizing the act of making a judgment.

Examples
  1. The UN was called to arbitrate the border conflict.

  2. Lawyers often arbitrate commercial disputes out of court.

  3. She agreed to arbitrate between the feuding departments.

  4. The union and management decided to arbitrate their differences.

  5. An independent panel will arbitrate the case next week.