internationality
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪntənˌæʃənˈælɪtɪ/
US
- /ˌɪntərnˌæʃənˈælɪti/
Description
- global character
- cross-border quality
- presence of many nations
- international scope
Internationality is the quality of having a strong connection with more than one country or of including people, ideas, or activity from many nations. You might notice it in a city with residents from around the world, in a university with students from dozens of countries, or in a company that works across borders every day. It is not only about location on a map. It is about how much a place, group, or activity reaches beyond one nation and brings different countries into the picture.
Internationality refers to the quality or state of being international. It describes the presence of links, activity, or character that involve more than one nation. The word is often used for places, organizations, events, or systems that bring together people, work, or influence from different countries.
You might describe a city as having strong internationality if it is a center for diplomacy, trade, tourism, or the arts and regularly draws people from many parts of the world. A university shows it when its students, teachers, and research ties extend across countries. A company shows it when its work, staff, and markets are spread internationally. An event such as a film festival, sports competition, or conference can also have this quality when it attracts broad participation from other nations.
The word can sometimes also be used more broadly for a person's outlook or experience, especially if that person is shaped by contact with other countries and cultures. Still, its most common use is to describe the character of something larger than one person: a place, institution, activity, or network with a clear cross-border reach.
In tone, the word often suggests breadth, openness, and a mix of national backgrounds, but its basic meaning is simple: it marks something as not limited to a single country. When you hear "internationality," think of a setting or activity whose character is shaped by the involvement of many nations rather than just one.
Examples
- 1
Film festival
The festival's internationality is clear from the range of films and guests it attracts.
Usage
internationality is formal; in everyday English, international character is more common
- 2
University
The university wants to increase its internationality through overseas partnerships and more courses in English.
- 3
Literary criticism
Reviewers praised the novel's internationality, but some felt it had lost its strong local voice.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- internationalitynoun