Trilingual: meaning, definitions and examples

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trilingual

 

[ traΙͺˈlΙͺΕ‹Ι‘wΙ™l ]

Adjective
Languages
Context #1 | Adjective

language proficiency

Trilingual refers to the ability to speak, understand, and use three different languages fluently. It signifies a high level of linguistic skill and can often enhance a person's job prospects and cultural understanding.

Synonyms

multilingual, polyglot

Examples of usage

  • She is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French fluently.
  • The trilingual program at the school helps students learn multiple languages from a young age.
  • Being trilingual can give you an advantage in international business.

Word origin

The term 'trilingual' originates from the prefix 'tri-', meaning three, and 'lingual', which comes from the Latin 'lingua', meaning tongue or language. The combination of these roots indicates proficiency in three languages. This concept of knowing multiple languages has gained importance as globalization has increased interaction between speakers of diverse languages. The ability to communicate in three languages is often associated with cultural adaptability and cognitive benefits. Trilingual individuals are valued in various fields, including diplomacy, international relations, and education, as they can bridge communication gaps and foster better understanding among different linguistic communities.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,514, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.