Wāsiṭa
/ˈwɑː.si.tˤa/noun
An Arabic term for an intermediary, mediation, or influential connection used to obtain access or favorable treatment.
Did you know?Wāsiṭa is related to the Arabic idea of being in the middle, and its modern use can describe both ordinary mediation and powerful social influence or favoritism.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*w-s-ṭ
“To be or place in the middle; central position”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
wasaṭ
“Middle, center, or intermediate position”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
wāsiṭ
“Mediator or intermediary; one who stands between parties”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
wāsiṭa
“A feminine-form intermediary or means of mediation”
20th Century
English
wasta
“Influence or connections used to gain access, employment, or preferential treatment”
Modern English
English
wāsiṭa
“A transliterated form referring to mediation, an intermediary, or influential connections”