intermediary
UK: ˌɪntəˈmiːdiəri | US: ˌɪntərˈmiːdieri
n. a person or organization that acts as a link between parties to facilitate communication or agreement
n. an intermediate stage or level
adj. acting as a mediator or intermediary
The word "intermediary" traces back to Latin roots. The prefix "inter-" (between) combines with "medius" (middle), reflecting the concept of being in the middle or bridging gaps. The suffix "-ary" denotes a person or thing associated with an action or state. Historically, the term evolved through Medieval Latin "intermediarius," emphasizing the role of mediation. The morphemes logically align with the word's function—connecting or standing between two points.
The lawyer acted as an intermediary during the business negotiations.
The UN often serves as an intermediary in international conflicts.
She preferred direct communication over using an intermediary.
The software acts as an intermediary between the user and the database.
His role as an intermediary helped resolve the dispute amicably.