Multinational: meaning, definitions and examples

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multinational

 

[ ˌmʌltɪˈnæʃənl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

business

Involving or operating in several countries. A multinational company has offices and facilities in multiple countries around the world.

Synonyms

global, international, transnational.

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Word Description / Examples
multinational

This word is suitable when referring to companies that operate in multiple countries but retain a strong connection to their home country. It is frequently used in a business or economic context.

  • The multinational corporation has offices in over 30 countries.
  • She works for a multinational company based in Germany.
international

International pertains to relations or activities between different countries. It is commonly used in contexts involving cooperation, agreements, or interactions across national borders.

  • The international trade agreement was signed by multiple countries.
  • She studied international relations at the university.
global

Global is used in a broader sense, referring to something that affects or involves the entire world. It can be applied to issues, companies, or phenomena that span worldwide.

  • Climate change is a global issue that requires immediate action.
  • The company has a global presence, with markets in every continent.
transnational

This word is often used in academic or legal contexts to describe actions, issues, or entities that transcend national boundaries without being limited to any one nation, sometimes implying a level of complexity and legal considerations.

  • Transnational crime networks pose a challenge for law enforcement agencies.
  • The study focuses on transnational migration patterns.

Examples of usage

  • The multinational corporation has branches in over 50 countries.
  • Multinational trade agreements aim to promote economic cooperation between nations.
  • Many multinational companies strive to maintain diversity in their workforce.
  • The multinational expansion of the business led to increased profits.
  • Globalization has facilitated the growth of multinational enterprises.

Translations

Translations of the word "multinational" in other languages:

🇵🇹 multinacional

🇮🇳 बहुराष्ट्रीय

🇩🇪 multinational

🇮🇩 multinasional

🇺🇦 багатонаціональний

🇵🇱 międzynarodowy

🇯🇵 多国籍の (たこくせきの)

🇫🇷 multinational

🇪🇸 multinacional

🇹🇷 çok uluslu

🇰🇷 다국적의 (다국적의)

🇸🇦 متعدد الجنسيات

🇨🇿 nadnárodní

🇸🇰 nadnárodný

🇨🇳 跨国的 (kuàguó de)

🇸🇮 multinacionalen

🇮🇸 fjölþjóðlegur

🇰🇿 көпұлтты

🇬🇪 მრავალეროვნული (mravalernovnuli)

🇦🇿 çoxmillətli

🇲🇽 multinacional

Etymology

The term 'multinational' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the prefix 'multi-' meaning many, and 'national' indicating a country. As globalization increased and businesses expanded across borders, the concept of multinational corporations became more prevalent. Today, multinational companies play a significant role in the global economy, impacting trade, employment, and cultural exchange.

See also: international, national, nationalism, nationalist, nationalistic, nationality, nationalization, nationalize, nationally, nationals, nationwide, transnational.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,870, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.