bilateral

Language: en

🇺🇸 /baɪˈlætɜrəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Having or relating to two sides; affecting both sides.; Involving or undertaken by two parties, especially two countries or organizations.; Relating to or occurring on both sides of the body or of a central axis; symmetrical on both sides.; Having bilateral symmetry; arranged in two corresponding halves.; In law, involving mutual obligations or reciprocal duties between two parties, as in a bilateral contract.; Relating to descent or kinship traced through both the maternal and paternal lines.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Collocations

bilateral agreementbilateral tradebilateral relationsbilateral talksbilateral meetingbilateral cooperation

Derivatives

bilaterallybilateralismunilateralmultilateral

Synonyms

two-sidedreciprocalmutualtwo-party

Antonyms

unilateralmultilateral

Commonly confused

unilateral
EN: 'Unilateral' involves only one side or party, while 'bilateral' involves exactly two.
multilateral
EN: 'Multilateral' involves three or more parties, while 'bilateral' involves exactly two.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember 'bilateral' uses the prefix 'bi-' (two), not 'bi-lateral' with a hyphen. Do not confuse with 'bilateral' vs. 'bilateral' — no common misspelling, but ensure the 'i' in 'bi-' is retained.

💬 Examples

  1. The two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement.

  2. Bilateral negotiations between the nations lasted for several months.

  3. The patient presented with bilateral hearing loss.

  4. Most animals exhibit bilateral symmetry in their body plan.

  5. A bilateral contract requires both parties to fulfill their respective obligations.

  6. In a bilateral kinship system, relatives on both the mother's and father's sides are recognized equally.