Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of intervening in a dispute to help the conflicting parties reach an agreement: "Mediation" refers to the action of acting as an intermediary to facilitate a settlement between disagreeing sides.
   • A form of alternative dispute resolution involving a neutral third party: "Mediation" is a structured process where an impartial person assists parties in negotiating a mutually acceptable resolution.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The labor dispute was resolved through successful mediation.
  • They agreed to enter into mediation to avoid a costly court case.
  • Her role in the mediation was to listen to both sides and help them find common ground.

Advanced Usage

• "to go to mediation": to enter into a formal mediation process.
  • Before filing a lawsuit, the contract requires the parties to go to mediation.
• "through the mediation of": with the help or intervention of a specific mediator.
  • Peace was achieved through the mediation of the United Nations.

Variants and Related Words

• Mediate (verb): to intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement.
  • A professional was hired to mediate the conflict.
• Mediator (noun): a person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement.
  • The mediator remained neutral throughout the talks.

Synonyms

• Arbitration: The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute (often binding, unlike mediation which is typically non-binding).
• Conciliation: The action of stopping someone from being angry; placation.
• Intervention: The action or process of intervening.

Related Phrases

• Mediation process: The specific steps and procedures followed in a mediation.
  • The mediation process was confidential and informal.
• Mediation session: A meeting held for the purpose of mediation.
  • The first mediation session is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Related Idioms

• "Act as a go-between": to act as a messenger or mediator between two people or groups who are unwilling or unable to communicate directly. (This phrase describes the of a mediator).
  • During the sensitive negotiations, she had to act as a go-between for the two CEOs.

Noun

1. the act of intervening for the purpose of bringing about a settlement
2. a negotiation to resolve differences that is conducted by some impartial party