WordGarden.iobilateral
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /baɪlˈætərəl/
US
- /baɪˈlætərəl/
Meanings
Adjective
involving direct relations or agreements between two countries or organizations
affecting or present on both the left and right sides of the body
having or involving two sides or paired parts
Beyond the definition
Imagine negotiating a trade deal—it's bilateral because it requires agreement from both sides! The word "bilateral" comes from "bi," meaning two, and "lateral," meaning side. It describes anything that involves or affects two things, people, or groups in a mutual way. This could be an agreement between countries, the symmetry of your body (having a left and right side!), or even just a discussion where both parties are actively involved. Think of it as a "two-way street"—that's bilateral in action!
"Bilateral" describes something involving two sides, parties, or aspects. It is more than just "dual"; it implies a relationship or interaction between those two things. While "unilateral" means acting alone, "bilateral" emphasizes mutual involvement.
You will often encounter it in political and diplomatic contexts: a bilateral agreement between nations is one where both countries make commitments to each other. For example, "The U.S. and Canada signed a bilateral trade agreement." But it is not limited to politics! In anatomy, bilateral symmetry means your body has matching left and right sides.
Bilateral can also describe actions or communications that happen between two people. "They engaged in bilateral discussions" suggests a conversation where both parties were actively involved. It is even used in law—a bilateral contract is one where both parties have mutual obligations to fulfill.
Think of it this way: if something requires the participation, agreement, or mirroring of two distinct entities, chances are it is bilateral. From international relations to the structure of your own body, "bilateral" highlights the importance of connection and mutual involvement.
Examples
- 1
Diplomacy
The two countries held bilateral talks on border security.
- 2
Trade agreement
The new bilateral trade agreement should make it easier for both sides to export goods.
- 3
Political meeting
After the speech, the prime minister had a bilateral meeting with the German chancellor.
- 4
Medical finding
The scan showed bilateral damage to the lungs.
- Domain
in medical English, bilateral often means affecting both sides of the body
See also
Similar
- two-sided
- mutual
Shades of meaning
- reciprocal
- binational
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- bilateral agreement
- bilateral relations
- bilateral talks
- bilateral trade
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bilateraladjective