What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intervene
Example
The teacher had to intervene when the students started fighting. [intervene: verb]
Example
The police intervened to stop the robbery. [intervened: past tense]
mediate
Example
The mediator helped the two sides come to an agreement. [mediate: verb]
Example
The company hired a mediator to resolve the labor dispute. [mediator: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mediate is more commonly used than intervene in everyday language. Mediate is often used in legal or personal contexts, while intervene is more commonly used in emergency or crisis situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between intervene and mediate?
Both intervene and mediate can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, mediate is often associated with a more formal tone due to its use in legal settings.