bilingual
by-LING-gwuhl
/baɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/
Able to speak two languages fluently, or expressed in two languages.
Refers specifically to dual-language ability or materials rendered in two distinct languages.
The story behind the word. Formed in the mid-19th century from the Latin prefix 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'lingua' meaning 'tongue' or 'language'. It entered English speech during an era when European education began recognizing formal non-native language instruction.
Word relationships
- dual-language: 'Dual-language' is typically used as an adjective for programs or documents rather than describing a person.
- monolingual: Refers strictly to using or knowing only a single language.
Commonly confused with
- bicultural: Bilingual refers to language competence, whereas bicultural refers to living in and identifying with two distinct cultural frameworks.
Word family
- bilingualism (noun): The ability to speak two languages smoothly.
- bilingually (adverb): In a bilingual manner.
Collocations
- bilingual education
- bilingual speaker
- bilingual dictionary
- bilingual curriculum
Example sentences
- "The school board established a bilingual education program to support students transitioning between Spanish and English." Educational Policy
- "In 'The Bilingual Edge', Kendall King explains how early exposure to two languages shapes children's cognitive development." Cognitive Science
Memory hook
Think of a 'bi-cycle' having two wheels; a 'bi-lingual' person has two tongues or languages. Bi (two) + Lingual (languages) = fluent in two languages.
When not to use
Do not use to describe someone who commands three or more languages; use multilingual instead.
Fun facts
- More than half of the global human population is estimated to be at least bilingual.
Related words
Explore more words
polyglot, multilingual, bilateral, fluency, multicultural, vocabulary
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