Definition

1. Verb:
   • To act as a link or intermediary between two or more parties, groups, or organizations to facilitate communication and cooperation.
   • To work to establish and maintain a working relationship and exchange of information between separate entities.

Usage

• The verb "liaise" is used to describe the action of coordinating and exchanging information between different groups. It is typically followed by the preposition "with" when referring to the other party, and "between" when specifying the parties being connected.
• It is a formal or professional term commonly used in business, military, government, and organizational contexts.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To liaise closely": To maintain very frequent and detailed communication.
  • The two agencies agreed to liaise closely during the emergency response.
• "Liaising capacity/role": Refers to the function or ability to act as a liaison.
  • The position requires strong liaising skills and cultural sensitivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Liaison (n): The communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations; a person who acts as a link.
  • She serves as the liaison between the school and the parents' association.
• Liaising (gerund/noun): The act or process of serving as a liaison.
  • Effective liaising is crucial for the success of joint ventures.

Synonyms

• Coordinate: To organize different elements to work together effectively.
• Mediate: To intervene between people in a dispute to bring about an agreement. (Note: "Liaise" is broader and not always focused on resolving conflict.)
• Intercede: To intervene on behalf of another. (Note: Often implies pleading or conflict resolution.)
• Facilitate: To make an action or process easier.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Combinations

• Liaise with: The most common construction, meaning to work in connection with a person or group.
  • Please liaise with the IT department to resolve the issue.
• Liaise between: To act as a link connecting two or more parties.
  • His job is to liaise between headquarters and the regional offices.

Related Idioms

• "Act as a go-between": To act as an intermediary or messenger between parties who do not communicate directly. This is a descriptive phrase for the action of liaising.
  • During the negotiations, she had to act as a go-between for the two CEOs.

Verb

1. act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
   • He interceded in the family dispute
   • He mediated a settlement