bridgebuilding
Spanning gaps literally
Bridgebuilding is the work of constructing bridges, but the word appears far more often in its figurative sense: creating connections between people or groups who are divided.
A bridgebuilder seeks common ground between factions, facilitates dialogue, or repairs damaged relationships.
The negotiations required serious bridgebuilding between the two sides.
Also spelled bridge-building or bridge building.
Load-bearing beam arrangement
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- archCurved spanning structure
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
- beamStructural support member
girder · span · abutment · pier · deck · cable-stayed · viaduct · overpass
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
- peacemakingResolving conflicts through negotiation
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
reconciliation · treaty · accord · detente · summit · envoy · ambassador · statesmanship
Joint intellectual work
- teamworkJoint effort toward shared aim
- consensusGeneral group agreement
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- solidarityUnity among allies
coalition · synergy · reciprocity · partnership · alliance · coordination · co-creation
Building professional relationships
- liaisonConnector between groups
- outreachProactive community assistance
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- allianceFormal union of parties
partnership · relationship · bonding · linkage · interrelation · affinity · kinship · fellowship
truss
Load-bearing beam arrangement
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- archCurved spanning structure
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
beam · girder · span · abutment · pier · deck · cable-stayed · viaduct · overpass · trestle
negotiation
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
- peacemakingResolving conflicts through negotiation
dialogue · reconciliation · treaty · accord · detente · summit · envoy · ambassador · statesmanship · rapprochement
collaboration
Joint intellectual work
- teamworkJoint effort toward shared aim
- consensusGeneral group agreement
- unityWholeness through cohesion
solidarity · coalition · synergy · reciprocity · partnership · alliance · coordination · co-creation
networking
Building professional relationships
- liaisonConnector between groups
- outreachProactive community assistance
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
alliance · partnership · relationship · bonding · linkage · interrelation · affinity · kinship · fellowship · cross-cultural
bridgebuildingdivision
Splitting into parts
segregation · polarization · separation · isolation · alienation
bridgebuildingwarmongering
Promoting or inciting warfare
antagonism · provocation · hostility · confrontation · aggression
bridgebuildingdemolition
Deliberate structural destruction
sabotage · undermining · destruction · dismantling · wrecking
build, bridge, building, builder, bridges, bridging, brigand, bridged, footbridge