multilateral — involving three or more parties or countries, especially in agreements or negotiations
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: involving three or more parties or countries, especially in agreements or negotiations
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl/
Example Sentences
- Instead of fighting one-on-one, the five countries decided to have a multilateral meeting, which basically meant everyone could blame each other equally.
- The multilateral summit lasted three days, mostly because no one could agree on where to have lunch.
- The government official studied multilateral diplomacy for the civil service exam.
multilateral
ADJECTIVE[/ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl/]
involving three or more parties or countries, especially in agreements or negotiations
Delegates from six nations sign a multilateral trade agreement together at the summit.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin multi- (many) combined with latus or lateralis (side, flank). Originally used in geometry to describe shapes with multiple sides, the term gradually expanded into international politics to denote involvement or participation by multiple nations rather than a single party.
Breakdown
multi- (many) + later- (side, flank, from Latin latus) + -al (adjective-forming suffix). The root later- refers to lateral or side, while the suffix -al converts the compound into an adjective meaning 'of or pertaining to multiple sides.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Instead of fighting one-on-one, the five countries decided to have a multilateral meeting, which basically meant everyone could blame each other equally.”
“The multilateral summit lasted three days, mostly because no one could agree on where to have lunch.”
“The government official studied multilateral diplomacy for the civil service exam.”
“The World Trade Organization promotes multilateral trade agreements among its member countries.”
“Climate change requires multilateral action, since no single country can fix the whole planet alone.”
📚Related Words
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