bilateral
by-LAT-er-ul
/ˌbaɪˈlætərəl/
Having or relating to two sides; affecting two nations or parties.
Specifically involves direct, reciprocal agreements between two parties only.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'bi-' (two) + 'lateris' (side). It entered English in the 18th century to describe structures or agreements with two distinct participating flanks.
Word relationships
- two-sided: Two-sided is informal; bilateral is standard legal and diplomatic jargon.
- unilateral: Involving or done by one side only.
- multilateral: Involving three or more parties.
Commonly confused with
- multilateral: Bilateral involves exactly two nations, whereas multilateral involves three or more nations.
Word family
- bilaterally (adverb): In a manner affecting two sides.
Collocations
- bilateral trade
- bilateral agreement
- bilateral relations
- bilateral talks
Example sentences
- "The two countries signed a bilateral trade deal that reduced tariffs on agricultural exports." International trade
- "Bilateral security negotiations continued through the night between the two ministers." Security talks
Memory hook
BI = Two (like a bicycle). BILATERAL = Two sides. BI = 2 sides.
When not to use
Do not use when three or more parties are involved in a pact.
Fun facts
- Bilateral trade agreements are easier to negotiate than multilateral ones because only two national interests compete.
Related words
Explore more words
Also appears in
- Political Science & Governance → State Sovereignty & Statecraft
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Climate Policy & International Agreements
- Economic Theory & Analysis → International Trade & Tariffs
- Political Science & Governance → Diplomacy & Foreign Policy
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Kinship & Descent Systems
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