mediate
Definitions
To try to settle a dispute between two parties by acting as a neutral go-between.
调解，斡旋（在双方之间居中调停）。
To bring about or convey something by acting as the intermediate agent.
作为中介促成或传递（某事物）。
(formal) Acting through an intermediate stage; not direct.
（正式）居间的，间接的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmedi (middle) + -ate (to make/do) = 'to be in the middle.' To mediate is to stand between two sides and bring them together — medius turned into an action. From here come mediator (the person), mediation (the process), and intermediary (a go-between).
Root medi still carries 48 more wordsUsage Guide
- Stress/pronunciation: the verb is MEE-dee-ate (/ˈmiːdieɪt/), stress on the first syllable; do not confuse the vowel with the heal-branch 'medical' (/ˈmedɪkl/).
- mediate between / mediate in: you mediate between two parties, or mediate in a dispute.
- transitive vs intransitive: 'mediate a settlement' (object) vs 'mediate between rivals' (no object).
Example Sentences
- 1.
The UN agreed to mediate between the two warring sides.
- 2.
A lawyer was brought in to mediate the family dispute.
- 3.
Language mediates our experience of the world.