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Bilateral: meaning, definitions and examples

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bilateral

 

[ ˌbaɪləˈtɛrəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

two-sided situation

The term 'bilateral' refers to something that involves or affects two sides. It is commonly used in the context of international relations to describe agreements, treaties, or negotiations that occur between two countries. Bilateral relationships can encompass various aspects, including trade, military cooperation, and diplomatic ties. When two countries engage in a bilateral agreement, it usually focuses on mutually beneficial outcomes. The concept is crucial in understanding global diplomacy and international policies.

Synonyms

joint, mutual, two-sided.

Examples of usage

  • The bilateral agreement enhanced trade relations between the two countries.
  • Bilateral talks were held to resolve ongoing disputes.
  • The senator advocated for stronger bilateral ties with neighboring nations.

Translations

Translations of the word "bilateral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bilateral

🇮🇳 द्विपक्षीय

🇩🇪 bilateral

🇮🇩 bilateral

🇺🇦 багатосторонній

🇵🇱 bilateralny

🇯🇵 二国間の

🇫🇷 bilatéral

🇪🇸 bilateral

🇹🇷 iki taraflı

🇰🇷 양자 간의

🇸🇦 ثنائي

🇨🇿 bilaterální

🇸🇰 bilaterálny

🇨🇳 双边的

🇸🇮 dvojen

🇮🇸 tvíhli

🇰🇿 екі жақты

🇬🇪 ბილატერალური

🇦🇿 iki tərəfli

🇲🇽 bilateral

Etymology

The term 'bilateral' is derived from the Latin roots 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'lateralis' meaning 'of the side'. This combination emphasizes the concept of involving two distinct sides or entities. The word began to be widely used in diplomatic contexts in the mid-20th century as global politics increasingly focused on relationships between pairs of nations. Historically, bilateral negotiations were essential for establishing treaties and resolving conflicts, marking a shift from multi-lateral approaches that engaged multiple countries. Its usage expanded to various fields, including trade, commerce, and law, reflecting the importance of two-party agreements in a complex global landscape.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,119 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.