Standard Lemma guide

arbitrate

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • UK: /ˈɑːbɪtɹeɪt/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: AA1 R B AH0 T R EY2 T Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make a judgment (on a dispute) as an arbitrator or arbiter

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • to arbitrate a disputed case

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: adjudge, deem, rule on, adjudicate, arbitrate, doom, hear, judge, settle, try

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To submit (a dispute) to such judgment

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To assign an arbitrary value to, or otherwise determine arbitrarily.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: rare

Topics: mathematics, sciences

Examples

  • We wish to show f is continuous. Arbitrate epsilon greater than zero...

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

act between parties with a view to reconciling differences

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He interceded in the family dispute
  • He mediated a settlement

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: intercede, mediate, intermediate, liaise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: negociate, negotiate, talk terms

History

Etymology

From Latin arbitratus, past participle of arbitrari (“to be a witness, act as umpire”), from arbiter (“umpire”); see arbiter.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Arabic: يَفْصِل (yafṣil) — to make a judgment on
  • Arabic: يَحْكُم (yaḥkum) — to make a judgment on
  • Arabic: يَقْضِي (yaqḍī) — to make a judgment on
  • Catalan: arbitrar — to make a judgment on
  • Chinese Mandarin: 调停 (tiáotíng) — to make a judgment on
  • Esperanto: arbitracii — to make a judgment on
  • Finnish: toimia välimiehenä — to make a judgment on
  • Ancient Greek: διαιτάω (diaitáō) — to make a judgment on
  • Latin: arbitror — to make a judgment on
  • Norwegian: dømme — to make a judgment on
  • Polish: arbitrażować — to make a judgment on
  • Portuguese: arbitrar — to make a judgment on
  • Spanish: arbitrar — to make a judgment on
  • Finnish: viedä välimiesoikeuteen — to submit to be judged