schlichten
Translation
to mediate, to arbitrate, to settle, to reconcile
Examples
Sie versuchten, den Streit zu schlichten.
They tried to settle the dispute.
Ein Mediator schlichtet zwischen den Parteien.
A mediator arbitrates between the parties.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to settle sth. They settled the dispute.
((between sb./sth.)) to mediate between... A mediator mediates between the parties.
Similar Words
Synonyms: vermitteln, beilegen; Antonyms: anheizen, eskalieren
Etymology
Related to 'schlicht' (simple, plain), implying making a complex conflict simple to resolve.
Memory Tips
Think of 'smoothing' things over. 'Schlichten' is to make a situation 'schlicht' (plain, simple) again by resolving conflict.