Bilingually: meaning, definitions and examples

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bilingually

 

[ ˌbaɪlɪŋˈɡwɪli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

language use

Bilingually refers to the ability to speak and understand two languages fluently. It is often used to describe individuals who have proficiency in both languages to a high degree. This ability can enhance communication skills in multilingual environments. Bilingualism can also influence cognitive abilities and cultural understanding, as it allows individuals to navigate between different linguistic frameworks.

Synonyms

dual-language, two-language

Examples of usage

  • She communicates bilingually in English and Spanish.
  • The school encourages teaching bilingually to promote cultural awareness.
  • He thinks bilingually, switching effortlessly between French and German.

Translations

Translations of the word "bilingually" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bilingue

🇮🇳 द्विभाषी

🇩🇪 zweisprachig

🇮🇩 bilingüal

🇺🇦 двомовно

🇵🇱 bilingwalny

🇯🇵 バイリンガル

🇫🇷 bilingue

🇪🇸 bilingüe

🇹🇷 iki dilli

🇰🇷 이중 언어의

🇸🇦 ثنائي اللغة

🇨🇿 dvoujazyčný

🇸🇰 dvojjazyčný

🇨🇳 双语的

🇸🇮 dvojezičen

🇮🇸 tvítyngdur

🇰🇿 екі тілде

🇬🇪 ბილინგვური

🇦🇿 iki dilli

🇲🇽 bilingüe

Etymology

The term 'bilingually' derives from the word 'bilingual', which is a combination of 'bi-' from Latin meaning 'two' and 'lingua', meaning 'language'. This concept has roots that can be traced back to discussions on language acquisition and social structures in multilingual societies. The use of the word emphasizes the ability to operate in two languages with proficiency. As global interaction increases, the relevance and need for bilinguality has grown, especially in education and workforce settings. The adverbial form 'bilingually' highlights the manner in which one can communicate or operate, making it essential for understanding cultural nuances and improving interpersonal relations.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,235, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.