Words / B2

by-LAT-uh-r-uh-l/ˌbaɪˈlætərəl/

Bilateral means involving two sides or countries: bilateral talks, a bilateral agreement. Two-way is everyday; joint is looser. Unilateral is one-sided; multilateral involves several parties. In speech, between the two countries is enough. The word is diplomatic and official. Do not call a chat between two friends bilateral unless you are being dry.

Meaning

Involving two sides or countries (bilateral talks).

Examples

• “The two countries held bilateral talks.”
• “A bilateral deal on student visas still needed each parliament to vote.”
• “The dispute stayed bilateral until a third country offered to host talks.”

Good to know

Two-sided (often two countries). Everyday: two-way / between the two. Contrast: unilateral (one); multilateral (several). Diplomatic tone.

Near in meaning

two-way

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