Arbiter
/ˈɑːrbɪtər/
nounC2
Definition
An arbiter is someone chosen to make a final decision when people disagree. This person listens to both sides and gives a fair judgment to solve the problem. Arbiters are often used in legal, business, or personal conflicts to avoid going to court.
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See It in Action
A person who settles disputes by making decisions
- •The arbiter listened carefully before making the final ruling.
- •Both companies agreed to let an arbiter decide their contract dispute.
- •The arbiter’s decision was accepted by everyone involved.
Someone with power to decide what is right or acceptable
- •Fashion designers are often seen as arbiters of style.
- •The editor acted as an arbiter of what content was published.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "arbiter" like "judge" (A2 word), but usually outside a court, helping people agree without a trial
- ✓Picture a wise person sitting calmly between two arguing friends, ready to decide who is right
- ✓It feels like when a teacher listens to two students fighting and then says what should happen to solve it
- ✓Sounds like "AR-bit-er" → Imagine someone holding a big balance scale, ready to tip it fairly to one side
- ✓In stories, arbiters are like wise kings or elders who settle disputes so peace returns
- ✓NOT like "judge" (official court worker), an arbiter can be a private person chosen by those in conflict
- ✓NOT like "mediator" (helps people talk), an arbiter actually decides who is right or what must be done
- ✓NOT like "referee" (controls sports game), an arbiter controls decisions in arguments or legal matters
Try Other Words
- •Mediator: a person who helps people talk and find agreement (Use when the person helps but does not give a final decision)
- •Referee: a person who controls a sports game or competition (Use when talking about sports or games)
- •Adjudicator: a person who makes a formal decision or judgment (Use in formal or legal settings, similar to arbiter but often more official)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "arbit-" (from Latin meaning "to judge") + "-er" (a person who does something)
- •Etymology: From Latin "arbiter," meaning a judge or witness who decides between people
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe a person who settles disputes outside courts
- •Modern usage: Used for people chosen to decide in disagreements, especially outside formal courts
Reflect & Connect
•How might the role of an arbiter change depending on the situation or culture?
•Can a person be an arbiter in daily life, or is it only for special cases?
Fill in the blanks
1.The two companies chose an arbiter to ___ their contract disagreement fairly.
2.An arbiter must listen carefully to both sides before making a ___ decision.
3.Unlike a mediator, an arbiter has the power to ___ who is right or wrong.
4.In some cases, an arbiter acts as the final ___ in a dispute without going to court.
5.The arbiter’s role is important because it helps avoid long and expensive ___ processes.
6.When people trust the arbiter, they usually ___ the decision without further argument.
7.The arbiter was known for being ___ and fair, so both sides accepted the ruling.