Definition

1. Noun:
   • A negotiator who acts as a link between parties: An intermediary is a person or organization that helps two other parties who are in disagreement or negotiation to communicate and reach an agreement. They act as a go-between or a mediator.
   • A means or channel of communication: Something that serves as an intermediate agent or medium.

Usage

• The word "intermediary" is primarily used as a countable noun.
• It describes a role that facilitates interaction, negotiation, or communication between separate entities, such as people, groups, companies, or governments.
• It often implies a neutral or facilitating position.

Examples

• As a person/organization:
  • The United Nations often acts as an intermediary in international conflicts.
  • We communicated through an intermediary because direct talks had failed.
• As a means/channel:
  • Language is the essential intermediary for human thought and communication.
  • The website serves as an intermediary connecting buyers and sellers.

Advanced Usage

• "to act as an intermediary": to perform the role of a mediator or go-between.
  • The diplomat agreed to act as an intermediary between the warring factions.
• "through the intermediary of": by means of; via.
  • The message was delivered through the intermediary of a trusted courier.

Variants and Related Words

• Intermediate (adj): occurring between two points or stages.
  • She has an intermediate level of French.
• Intermediation (n): the act of intervening or mediating.
  • The process requires professional intermediation.
• Mediator (n): a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement. (This is a close synonym for the primary meaning of "intermediary".)

Synonyms

• Mediator: A neutral party who helps resolve disputes.
• Go-between: A person who acts as a messenger or negotiator between parties.
• Liaison: A person who maintains communication and cooperation between groups.
• Broker: An agent who buys and sells goods or arranges deals for others.

Antonyms

• Principal: A main participant in a transaction, not an agent.
• Party: One of the persons or sides involved in a dispute or agreement.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Middleman: (Often used in business contexts) A person who buys goods from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers.
  • We cut costs by eliminating the middleman and buying directly from the factory.
• Act as a bridge: To serve as a connection between two different groups or ideas.
  • Her research acts as a bridge between theory and practice.

Noun

1. a negotiator who acts as a link between parties