mediate
UK: ˈmiː.di.eɪt | US: ˈmiː.di.eɪt
vt. to intervene between two or more parties to resolve a conflict or facilitate communication
vi. to act as an intermediary or negotiator
adj. (rare) intermediate; situated between two points
The word "mediate" traces back to the Latin mediatus, the past participle of mediare ("to be in the middle"), derived from medius ("middle"). It entered English in the 16th century, originally describing physical intermediacy (e.g., "mediate space") before evolving to denote diplomatic or communicative intervention. The root medi- reflects the core concept of bridging divides, seen in related words like medium and intermediate.
The UN agreed to mediate the peace talks between the warring nations.
Lawyers often mediate disputes to avoid lengthy court battles.
As a manager, she skillfully mediated conflicts among team members.
The therapist mediated a conversation between the estranged siblings.
His role was to mediate between corporate executives and labor unions.