Bilateral: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：two-sided (bilateral)

bilateral 🔊

/ˌbaɪˈlætərəl/

adj.

Relating to or involving two sides, countries, or groups.

Bilateral meaning illustrated by two diplomats shaking hands with flags

two-sided 🔊

➕

/ˈtuː ˈsaɪdɪd/

adj.

Describes something that involves or relates to two sides, groups, or countries.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'lateralis' meaning 'of a side'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'bi' as in bicycle (two wheels) and 'lateral' for sides, so it means two-sided.

📖 Example

The two countries signed a bilateral agreement to cooperate on environmental protection. 🔊 This sentence describes a cooperative agreement made between two nations.

🔗 Collocations

bilateral agreement – an agreement between two parties

bilateral relations – diplomatic or economic relations between two countries

bilateral trade – trade between two nations

🔄 Synonyms

two-sided (adj.) – having or involving two sides

mutual (adj.) – shared or held in common by two or more parties

reciprocal (adj.) – given or done in return; corresponding

🚫 Antonyms

unilateral (adj.) – involving only one side or party

multilateral (adj.) – involving more than two parties

🌱 Derivatives

bilaterally (adv.) – in a bilateral manner

bilateralism (n.) – the practice of bilateral agreements or relations

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin roots 'bi-' (two) and 'lateralis' (side). Commonly used in modern international relations for agreements between two nations, such as treaties or trade deals.