Intercede vs. Intervene — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 29, 2024
Intercede means to mediate on behalf of another, while intervene implies stepping in to alter a situation directly.
Difference Between Intercede and Intervene
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intercession and intervention are both actions taken to address or change a situation, but they operate in distinct ways. Interceding involves acting as a mediator or advocate on behalf of someone else, often in a dispute or a request for assistance. This act is typically characterized by communication and negotiation, aiming to resolve conflicts or secure help through dialogue. On the other hand, intervention is a more direct action, where an individual, group, or state inserts themselves into a situation to change its course. This can happen in various contexts, from personal relationships to international affairs. Interventions can be physical, such as a peacekeeping force entering a conflict zone, or non-physical, such as imposing economic sanctions on a country.
While intercession seeks to mediate between parties for a peaceful resolution, intervention often involves taking sides or acting decisively to prevent, stop, or modify a particular action or series of events. Intercession is usually requested or accepted by the parties involved, whereas intervention might not always be welcome or solicited.
In the context of personal relationships, interceding might mean speaking to a friend on behalf of another, trying to mend a misunderstanding. Intervening, however, could involve stepping in to stop a harmful behavior directly. In international relations, interceding could involve diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace, while intervening might mean military or political actions taken to address what is perceived as an injustice or a threat.
The intent behind intercession and intervention also differs. Intercession is primarily about advocacy and mediation, with the goal of reaching an agreement or understanding. Intervention, by contrast, is often motivated by a desire to bring about change or protect interests, which can sometimes lead to more forceful measures.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To mediate or plead on behalf of another.
To come or occur between events, or to interfere.
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Method
Advocacy, negotiation, and mediation.
Direct action or interference.
Intent
To resolve conflict or secure assistance.
To alter or stop a course of action.
Welcome
Often requested or accepted.
May not always be welcome or solicited.
Context
Usually involves disputes or requests for help.
Can be broader, including preventive actions.
Compare with Definitions
Intercede
Act of intervening through dialogue.
She interceded with their parents to ease tensions.
Intervene
To take direct action to influence an outcome.
The UN intervened to prevent the conflict from escalating.
Intercede
To advocate for assistance.
The charity interceded with the government for aid.
Intervene
To enter into an ongoing process.
The teacher intervened when the debate turned heated.
Intercede
To plead on someone's behalf.
The lawyer interceded for leniency in the sentencing.
Intervene
To change the course of events.
Authorities intervened to control the outbreak.
Intercede
To mediate in a dispute.
He interceded in the argument to help find a compromise.
Intervene
Involvement without invitation.
She felt the need to intervene in her friend's unhealthy relationship.
Intercede
Seeking peaceful resolution.
Diplomats interceded to negotiate a ceasefire.
Intervene
To interfere for protection.
He intervened to stop the bullying.
Intercede
To plead on another's behalf.
Intervene
To involve oneself in a situation so as to alter or hinder an action or development
"Every gardener faces choices about how and how much to intervene in nature's processes" (Dora Galitzki).
Intercede
To act as mediator in a dispute.
Intervene
To interfere, usually through force or threat of force, in the affairs of another nation.
Intercede
(intransitive) To plead on someone else's behalf. Is it also used in a religious sense ("to pray on someone's behalf"), like intercession?
Intervene
(Law) To enter into a lawsuit as a third party to assert a claim against one or both of the existing parties.
Intercede
(intransitive) To act as a mediator in a dispute; to arbitrate or mediate.
Intervene
To come, appear, or lie between two things
You can't see the lake from there because the house intervenes.
Intercede
To pass between; to intervene.
Intervene
To come or occur between two periods or points of time
A year intervened between the two dynasties.
Intercede
To pass between; to intervene.
He supposed that a vast period interceded between that origination and the age wherein he lived.
Intervene
To occur as an extraneous or unplanned circumstance
He would have his degree by now if his laziness hadn't intervened.
Intercede
To act between parties with a view to reconcile differences; to make intercession; to beg or plead in behalf of another; to mediate; - usually followed by with and for or on behalf of; as, I will intercede with him for you.
I to the lords will intercede, not doubtingTheir favorable ear.
Intervene
(intransitive) To become involved in a situation, so as to alter or prevent an action.
The police had to be called to intervene in the fight.
Intercede
To be, to come, or to pass, between; to separate.
Intervene
(intransitive) To occur, fall, or come between, points of time, or events.
An instant intervened between the flash and the report.
I hadn't seen him since we were in school, and the intervening years had not been kind to him.
Intercede
Act between parties with a view to reconciling differences;
He interceded in the family dispute
He mediated a settlement
Intervene
(intransitive) To occur or act as an obstacle or delay.
Nothing intervened to prevent the undertaking.
Intervene
(ambitransitive) To say (something) in the middle of a conversation or discussion between other people, or to respond to a situation involving other people.
Intervene
(ambitransitive) To come between, or to be between, persons or things.
The Mediterranean intervenes between Europe and Africa.
Intervene
(legal) In a suit to which one has not been made a party, to put forward a defense of one's interest in the subject matter.
An application for leave (i.e. permission) to intervene
Intervene
To come between, or to be between, persons or things; - followed by between; as, the Mediterranean intervenes between Europe and Africa.
Intervene
To occur, fall, or come between, points of time, or events; as, an instant intervened between the flash and the report; nothing intervened ( i. e., between the intention and the execution) to prevent the undertaking.
Intervene
To interpose; as, to intervene to settle a quarrel.
Intervene
In a suit to which one has not been made a party, to put forward a defense of one's interest in the subject matter.
Intervene
To come between.
Self-sown woodlands of birch, alder, etc., intervening the different estates.
Intervene
A coming between; intervention; meeting.
Intervene
Get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force;
Why did the U.S. not intervene earlier in WW II?
Intervene
Be placed or located between other things or extend between spaces and events;
This interludes intervenes between the two movements
Eight days intervened
Intervene
Occur between other event or between certain points of time;
The war intervened between the birth of her two children
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between interceding and intervening?
Interceding involves mediating or pleading on behalf of another, while intervening is taking direct action to influence or change a situation.
Can anyone intercede?
Yes, anyone can intercede if they are seeking to mediate or negotiate on behalf of someone else.
Can interceding involve taking sides?
While interceding often aims for neutrality to mediate, it can sometimes be perceived as taking a side due to the advocate's efforts on behalf of one party.
Is intervening always physical?
No, intervention can be both physical and non-physical, such as diplomatic interventions or economic sanctions.
How do cultural perceptions affect intercession and intervention?
Cultural norms and values can influence how acts of intercession and intervention are perceived, with what is considered appropriate or intrusive varying by culture.
What are some examples of intervention in international relations?
Examples include military intervention to prevent genocide, diplomatic intervention to resolve conflicts, or economic sanctions to address human rights violations.
Is intervention without consent ethical?
The ethics of unsolicited intervention can vary widely based on context, intention, and outcome, often debated in moral and political spheres.
Can interceding be a form of intervention?
While they are distinct actions, interceding can be seen as a softer, more diplomatic form of intervention.
Can intervention be seen as intrusive?
Yes, especially if it is unsolicited or perceived as undermining sovereignty or autonomy, intervention can be seen as intrusive.
Can intercession prevent the need for intervention?
Effective intercession can often resolve conflicts or disputes before they escalate to the point where intervention is necessary.
How do intercession and intervention differ in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, intercession might involve advocacy or negotiation on behalf of a client, while intervention could mean a party directly inserting themselves into a case with the court's permission.
How do outcomes differ between interceding and intervening?
Outcomes can vary, but intercession aims for mutual resolution, while intervention seeks to change the status quo, often more decisively.
Is one more effective than the other in resolving conflicts?
Effectiveness can depend on the context and nature of the conflict, with intercession often preferred for its less intrusive nature, while intervention may be necessary in more dire situations.
What motivates individuals or countries to intercede or intervene?
Motivations can include altruism, strategic interests, ethical considerations, or legal obligations.
What role does consent play in intercession and intervention?
Consent is a key factor, with intercession generally involving more acceptance from the involved parties compared to intervention, which might occur without consent.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
