mediate
mediate Lexical Profile
mediate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To intervene between disputing parties in order to bring about an agreement, compromise, or reconciliation.
"An independent diplomat was appointed to mediate between the two nations and negotiate a lasting trade agreement."
To serve as a medium, mechanism, or intermediary agent for bringing about a result, communicating information, or transmitting a physical or physiological effect.
"Specific receptor proteins on the cell surface mediate the transport of essential nutrients across the membrane."
• adjective
Connected or brought about through an intermediate agent, step, or mechanism rather than directly; not immediate.
"In philosophy, inferential knowledge is considered mediate because it relies on prior premises rather than direct perception."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'mediate' (to intervene between disputing parties to reach a settlement) with 'meditate' (to focus one's mind in quiet reflection or contemplation). As an adjective, 'mediate' is pronounced with a short '-it' ending (/ˈmiːdiət/) and serves as the direct philosophical opposite of 'immediate'.
• Rhymes for mediate
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin 'mediatus', the past participle of 'mediare' ('to halve' or 'to be in the middle'), from Latin 'medius' ('middle').