WordGarden.iobilaterally
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /baɪlˈætərəli/
US
- /baɪˈlætərəli/
Meanings
Adverb
through direct dealings between two countries, organizations, or sides
on both sides of the body or another paired structure
Beyond the definition
Imagine two countries trying to solve a problem. If they do it bilaterally, it means they're talking directly to each other, one-on-one, without involving another government or organization. It is about direct interaction between two parties. Think of it like a bilateral agreement—something decided by exactly those two sides. You might also see it in biology; many animals are bilaterally symmetrical, meaning their bodies can be divided into matching halves.
The word comes from "bi-" (meaning two) and "lateral" (meaning side). So, when parties act bilaterally, they involve two sides working together directly. It is the opposite of acting multilaterally, which involves multiple parties. Whether it is a private conversation or a formal treaty, doing something bilaterally keeps the focus between two specific entities.
"Bilaterally" describes something done by or relating to two sides, parties, or entities. It emphasizes direct interaction and mutual action between those two, rather than through intermediaries or involving multiple players. This concept appears in several contexts, from international relations to anatomy.
In politics and diplomacy, nations often resolve issues bilaterally. For example: "The two nations agreed to resolve the trade dispute bilaterally," meaning they would negotiate directly without involving other nations or international organizations. It's a key term when discussing foreign policy and direct cooperation, often preferred when a private, focused resolution is needed.
However, "bilaterally" isn't limited to politics. In biology, many organisms are organized bilaterally. This refers to bilateral symmetry, the property of having two symmetrical halves (like humans). If you draw a line down a body, both sides are roughly mirror images. This is different from radial symmetry, where parts are arranged around a central axis, as in a starfish.
The term can also be used more generally to describe any situation involving two parties acting on each other directly. If a company and a union reach an agreement through direct negotiation rather than through court proceedings, they have settled the matter bilaterally. Whether you're discussing international treaties, animal anatomy, or simple contracts, bilaterally always points to a relationship or action happening between just two sides—a direct connection without outside interference.
Examples
- 1
Diplomacy
The two countries agreed to discuss the dispute bilaterally.
- 2
Trade talks
Most of these trade issues are still handled bilaterally, not through the larger regional group.
- 3
Medical exam
The doctor noted swelling bilaterally in the patient's ankles.
- Domain
in medical English, bilaterally means on both sides of the body
See also
Similar
- between two parties
- mutually
- reciprocally
Shades of meaning
- jointly
- one-on-one
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- negotiate bilaterally
- meet bilaterally
- bilaterally agreed
- work bilaterally
Word family
- bilateral
- bilateralism
Explore
- bilateral agreement
- multilateralism
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bilaterallyadverb