Arbitrator
/ˈɑːrbɪtreɪtər/
nounB2
Definition
An arbitrator is someone chosen by people in a disagreement to listen to both sides and then decide how to solve the problem. This person is neutral (does not take sides) and their decision is usually final. Arbitration is a way to solve conflicts without going to court.
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⚡ See It in Action
A person who solves disputes by making decisions outside of court
- •The company and the union agreed to use an arbitrator to settle their contract dispute.
- •When the neighbors argued about the fence, they hired an arbitrator to decide the boundary.
- •Arbitration is faster than going to court because the arbitrator’s decision is final.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "arbitrator" like "judge," but outside a courtroom and chosen by the people in conflict
- ✓Picture two people arguing and a calm person between them who listens carefully and gives a fair answer
- ✓It's the feeling of having a trusted helper who can decide for you when you cannot agree with someone else
- ✓Sounds like "AR-bit-rate-or" → imagine someone who "arbitrates," meaning they "rate" or judge the situation fairly
- ✓Think of a referee in sports who makes decisions when players disagree, but in real life for arguments or business
- ✓NOT like "lawyer" (who helps one side), an arbitrator is neutral and works for both sides
- ✓NOT like "court judge" (official government role), arbitrators work privately and are chosen by the people involved
- ✓NOT like "mediator" (helps people talk and find their own solution), arbitrator makes the final decision for them
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Mediator: a person who helps people talk and find their own agreement (Use when the goal is to help people agree themselves, not to make a decision)
- •Referee: a person who makes decisions in sports or competitions (Use when talking about sports or games)
- •Judge: an official in court who makes legal decisions (Use in legal or official court contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "arbit-" (from Latin meaning "judge" or "consider") + "-rator" (a person who does an action)
- •Etymology: From Latin "arbitrator," meaning a person chosen to judge or decide
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe someone who settles disputes by decision
- •Modern usage: Common in law and business to describe a neutral person who solves disagreements without court
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How might an arbitrator’s decision affect the relationship between the people in disagreement?
•In what situations do you think using an arbitrator is better than going to court?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The arbitrator listened carefully to both sides before making a ___ decision that both parties must accept.
2.People choose an arbitrator because they want to avoid the ___ and cost of going to court.
3.Unlike a mediator, an arbitrator has the authority to ___ the dispute and make a final ruling.
4.The arbitrator must remain ___ and not support one side over the other.
5.In business, companies often use an arbitrator to solve contract ___ quickly.
6.When the neighbors disagreed, they hired an arbitrator instead of going to the ___.
7.The arbitrator’s role is to ___ a fair solution when people cannot agree themselves.