Mediates

Mediates is the third-person singular present tense of the verb mediate. It denotes the action of intervening between parties or entities to bring about agreement, reconciliation, or communication. In everyday language, a person or process that mediates mediates disputes, negotiations, or information flows; to mediate means to serve as an intermediary that connects otherwise separate actors.

In law, diplomacy, and conflict resolution, mediation is a structured process in which a facilitator—often described as a mediator—helps two or more parties collaborate toward a voluntary settlement; a party that facilitates such dialogue mediates the dispute. In broader usage, to mediate can also describe enabling or shaping a relationship, outcome, or communication by standing between two sides.

In science and social theory, mediation refers to mechanisms by which one factor influences another through an intermediate variable or process. A mediator or mediating species can facilitate a reaction or interaction, or translate an influence (for example, a cognitive or cultural factor that mediates the effect of an intervention on an outcome). The term appears in contexts ranging from chemistry and biology to psychology and sociology.

Etymology: mediates derives from Latin medius meaning middle, through Old French and English development, and is related to mediate, mediator, and mediation. The form is used in sentences such as "The facilitator mediates between the groups" or "The enzyme mediates the reaction."