multilingualism — the ability to speak multiple languages, or the practice of using multiple languages within a community, country, or organization
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the ability to speak multiple languages, or the practice of using multiple languages within a community, country, or organization
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmʌl.tiˈlɪŋ.ɡwə.lɪ.zəm/
Example Sentences
- In Switzerland, multilingualism is so common that even the cows probably understand four languages.
- My grandmother's multilingualism amazes me—she switches between Korean, Japanese, and English mid-sentence without even noticing.
- Some parents believe that raising kids with multilingualism gives them a cognitive advantage later in life.
multilingualism
NOUN[/ˌmʌl.tiˈlɪŋ.ɡwə.lɪ.zəm/]
the ability to speak multiple languages, or the practice of using multiple languages within a community, country, or organization
At the UN cafeteria, staff casually switch languages, showing everyday multilingualism.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'multus' (many) + 'lingua' (tongue, language), combined with the suffix '-ism' indicating a state or practice.
Breakdown
multi- (many) + lingu- (tongue/language) + -ism (state/practice)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“In Switzerland, multilingualism is so common that even the cows probably understand four languages.”
“My grandmother's multilingualism amazes me—she switches between Korean, Japanese, and English mid-sentence without even noticing.”
“Some parents believe that raising kids with multilingualism gives them a cognitive advantage later in life.”
“His idea of multilingualism is knowing how to order food in three different languages, which is honestly impressive but not quite the same thing.”
📚Related Words
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