# intermediary

/ˌɪnɝˈmidiɛɹi/ (US) · /ˌɪntəmˈiːdiːəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intermediary
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a person or organization that acts as a link between two groups. You use this when two sides cannot or will not talk to each other directly.

For teachers: a person or entity acting as a mediator or link between two parties, typically to facilitate communication or negotiation. Often implies a neutral or professional role in resolving disputes or managing transactions.

## Examples

- The lawyer acted as an intermediary between the two families.
- The bank serves as a financial intermediary, moving money from savers to borrowers in a secure way.
- Diplomatic efforts stalled until a neutral third-party state agreed to serve as an intermediary, allowing the warring factions to exchange terms without meeting face-to-face.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'act as', 'serve as', or 'function as'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.