mediar
Lemma Details
Translation: to mediate; to intervene; to intercede; to be between; to elapse
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Medieval Latin 'mediare', derived from Latin 'medius' meaning 'middle'. The English cognate 'mediate' shares the same Latin root. The concept of being in the middle or between two parties is central to both the Spanish and English terms, reflecting the idea of intervention or acting as an intermediary.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El diplomático medió en las negociaciones de paz.
The diplomat mediated in the peace negotiations.
Entre nosotros media una gran diferencia de opinión.
Between us there is a great difference of opinion.
Mediaron seis meses entre su partida y su regreso.
Six months elapsed between his departure and his return.
La ONU medió en el conflicto internacional.
The UN mediated in the international conflict.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mediar' as being in the 'middle' of a situation to help resolve it.
- Sounds like 'media' in English - media often serves as an intermediary between events and the public.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'mediar' is commonly used in conflict resolution contexts, both formal (legal disputes) and informal (family disagreements). The concept of mediation is important in Latin cultures where maintaining harmony in social relationships is valued.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Mediar' means to mediate or intervene, while 'medir' means to measure or gauge something.
Notes: Both verbs are regular -ir verbs but follow different conjugation patterns in some tenses.
Mnemonic: 'Mediar' has an 'a' like 'arbitrate', while 'medir' has an 'i' like 'inch' (a unit of measurement).
Explanation: 'Mediar' refers to intervening between parties, while 'meditar' means to meditate or contemplate deeply.
This word:
El juez medió entre las partes en conflicto.
The judge mediated between the conflicting parties.
Confused word:
Ella medita cada mañana para reducir el estrés.
She meditates every morning to reduce stress.
Notes: 'Meditar' is more about internal mental processes, while 'mediar' involves external interaction between parties.
Mnemonic: 'Meditar' ends with '-tar' like 'think' (pensar) - both involve mental contemplation.