WordGarden.iomultilateral
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˌʌltɪlˈætərəl/
US
- /ˌməltiˈlætərəl/
Meanings
Adjective
involving cooperation, negotiation, or agreements among several countries or governments
involving several sides, parties, or participants rather than just two
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to build something complex—it's much easier with help from many different people, right? That's the idea behind "multilateral." It describes anything involving multiple sides or parties working together. You often hear it when talking about international relations—like a multilateral treaty signed by several countries, or a multilateral trade agreement that benefits many nations. Think of "multi-" meaning many and "lateral" referring to sides—many sides coming together! It's more than just two parties agreeing (that's bilateral); it implies a broader network of cooperation. A local school fundraiser is probably not described as multilateral, but the United Nations definitely is! You might also hear it in business contexts, describing negotiations involving several different companies.
The word "multilateral" describes something that involves or relates to multiple sides, parties, or nations. It's a key term in international relations and diplomacy, often used to describe agreements, organizations, and initiatives that involve many countries working together toward a common goal. Think of it as the opposite of bilateral, which involves only two sides, or unilateral, which refers to an action taken by one party alone.
A classic example is the United Nations—a multilateral organization dedicated to maintaining peace and security around the world. Other examples include the World Trade Organization (WTO), which oversees global trade rules, or climate change agreements like the Paris Agreement, where many nations pledge to reduce emissions. However, "multilateral" isn't limited to just international affairs. It can also be used in business or even within a single organization. A multilateral negotiation might involve several companies discussing a joint venture, and a company might have a multilateral approach to problem-solving, seeking input from various departments simultaneously.
The core idea is that multiple actors are involved, contributing to a shared outcome. It suggests cooperation, collaboration, and a willingness to work together despite differing interests. It's about building bridges instead of walls—fostering relationships between many sides for mutual benefit. So when you hear "multilateral," think of a network of connections working toward a common purpose, involving more than just two players.
Examples
- 1
Diplomatic talks
The ministers met in Geneva for multilateral talks on food security.
- 2
Trade agreement
The country signed a multilateral trade agreement with its regional partners.
- 3
Climate action
Climate change often requires multilateral cooperation, because one government cannot solve it alone.
- 4
International institutions
The UN is one of the world’s best-known multilateral institutions.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Global problems
Some problems are too large for talks between two countries, so governments use a multilateral approach.
See also
Similar
- multiparty
- multipartite
- many-sided
Shades of meaning
- plurilateral
- multinational
- collective
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- multilateral agreement
- multilateral negotiations
- multilateral cooperation
- multilateral institution
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- multilateraladjective