Basic Details
Word: Arbitrate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To settle a disagreement or dispute between two parties by making a decision.
Synonyms: Mediate, adjudicate, resolve
Antonyms: Disagree, dispute
Idioms and Phrases
- Arbitrate a situation: To make a decision about a disagreement. Example: "The teacher was asked to arbitrate the situation between the students to find a fair solution."
- Let it go to arbitration: Allowing a neutral party to resolve a dispute. Example: "When the two companies couldn't agree, they decided to let it go to arbitration to avoid a lengthy court battle."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The two friends decided to arbitrate their argument after realising that neither was willing to compromise.
Example 2: The manager was called to arbitrate the dispute between two employees over their work schedules.
Example 3: Sometimes it is best to arbitrate conflicts rather than allowing them to escalate into bigger problems.
Fun Fact
The word "arbitrate" comes from the Latin word "arbitrare," which means "to judge" or "to consider." This reflects the role of an arbitrator as someone who makes decisions in a dispute.
Famous Quote
"In disputes, the first step should be to arbitrate with reason, not anger." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "arbitrate" mean?
a) To ignore a disagreement
b) To settle a dispute by making a decision
c) To shout during a disagreement
d) To agree on everything
Answer: b) To settle a dispute by making a decision
2. Which of these is a synonym of "arbitrate"?
a) Write
b) Mediate
c) Jump
d) Sing
Answer: b) Mediate
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "arbitrate"?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
c) Discuss
d) Consult
Answer: b) Disagree
4. Which sentence uses "arbitrate" correctly?
a) The judge will arbitrate the case in court.
b) I will arbitrate to the store later.
c) She decided to arbitrate her favourite book.
d) The cat likes to arbitrate on the sofa.
Answer: a) The judge will arbitrate the case in court.
5. What does the phrase "let it go to arbitration" imply?
a) To settle a dispute without help
b) To allow someone else to resolve the disagreement
c) To end a friendship
d) To celebrate a victory
Answer: b) To allow someone else to resolve the disagreement
