Mediation

Etymology

From Latin “mediare” (to be in the middle), from “medius” (middle) — the same root as “medium” and “median.” The mediator is literally the person standing in the middle, belonging to neither side.

noun · /mee-dee-AY-shun/
A process in which a neutral third party helps disputing sides negotiate their own settlement.
What it names
The calmer alternative to suing — reach for it to name the assisted-negotiation path where no one imposes a verdict, useful in divorces, workplace, and neighbor disputes alike.
Example
The divorcing couple chose mediation over a courtroom battle and split their assets in three sessions.
Related idea
Both are alternatives to trial, but the power differs: a mediator only helps the parties agree and cannot impose anything, while an arbitrator actually decides the outcome like a private judge.