bilateral
bilateral
Pronunciation
Bilateral has two common pronunciations in American English, depending on dialect. Here's the IPA breakdown for both:
1. Traditional Pronunciation (British English also common)
IPA: baɪˈlætərəl (by-LA-tuh-rul)
Breakdown:
bi (by): "buy" vowel sound
læ (LA): flat "a" sound like in "cat"
tə (tuh): schwa sound, a very short neutral vowel sound
rəl (rul): "ru" sound followed by a dark "l"
2. American Pronunciation (some dialects)
IPA: bɑ́jlátərəl (BAH-luh-tul)
Breakdown:
bɑ (BAH): long "a" sound like in "father"
ɪ (i): short "i" sound like in "fit"
lə (luh): short "u" sound followed by a light "l"
tə (tuh): schwa sound, a very short neutral vowel sound
rəl (rul): "ru" sound followed by a dark "l"
Word Form Variations
Bilateral itself doesn't have any variations for singular or plural because it functions as an adjective. Adjectives describe nouns and don't change form based on the number of the noun they modify.
However, there are related word forms derived from "bilateral":
Bilateralism: This is a noun that refers to the practice of having agreements or relations between two parties.
Bilaterally: This is an adverb formed by adding "-ly" to the adjective "bilateral." It describes how something is done involving two sides.
These are the most common variations related to "bilateral."
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition 1: Involving or affecting two parties or sides. (This is the most general definition)
Synonyms: mutual, reciprocal, two-sided, bipartisan (for agreements between political parties)
Antonyms: unilateral, one-sided
Definition 2: Having two similar or matching sides, especially referring to biological structures. (This definition is more specific to biology)
Synonyms: symmetrical, bilaterally symmetrical, isobilateral (for triangles)
Antonyms: asymmetrical, uneven
Related Word Forms
Noun: Bilateralism (the practice of having agreements or relations between two parties)
Synonyms: binationalism (specifically for agreements between two nations)
Antonyms: unilateralism
Adverb: Bilaterally (in a way that involves two sides)
Synonyms: mutually, reciprocally
Antonyms: unilaterally
Examples of Use
1. Politics & International Relations:
"The two leaders are expected to sign a bilateral trade agreement during their summit meeting." (Newspaper headline)
"The United States has a long history of bilateral cooperation with its allies on security issues." (Government website)
2. Law & Agreements:
"The company is facing a bilateral lawsuit from its former business partner." (News article)
"The prenuptial agreement outlines the couple's bilateral rights and responsibilities in case of divorce." (Legal document)
3. Biology & Anatomy:
"Humans are bilateral creatures, meaning we have symmetrical features on either side of our bodies." (Science textbook)
"The butterfly's wings are a beautiful example of bilateral symmetry in nature." (Nature documentary)
4. Entertainment:
"The villain had a bilateral scar across his face, a reminder of his past battles." (Fantasy novel)
"The new season of the dance show will feature bilateral routines, where couples perform mirrored choreography." (TV show announcement)
5. Public Discourse:
"Many people believe that bilateral talks are the best way to resolve international conflicts." (Social media post)
"The company is committed to bilateral communication with its employees, ensuring everyone has a voice." (Company press release)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Bilateral
"The pen is mightier than the sword." - Edward Bulwer-Lytton. This quote emphasises the power of words to bring about change, suggesting they can be more effective than violence.
"Action speaks louder than words." - Proverb. This quote highlights that people's deeds are more important than their words in demonstrating their true intentions.
"The difference between a word and a joke is timing." - Carole King. This quote emphasises the importance of context and timing when using words, especially for humour.
"Words are the source of misunderstandings." - Confucius. This quote highlights the potential for words to be misinterpreted, leading to confusion and conflict.
"Choose your words carefully, for they can heal or wound." - Native American Proverb. This quote emphasises the power of words to cause both positive and negative effects.
"The only true wealth is time." - John Ruskin. This quote uses "word" indirectly, referring to the limited time we have to use our words effectively.
"Let your words be few but let them be powerful." - Pittacus of Mytilene. This quote emphasises the importance of conciseness and the impact of well-chosen words.
"Where words fail, music speaks." - Hans Christian Andersen. This quote highlights the limitations of words and the power of music to express emotions beyond language.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi. This quote uses "word" indirectly, referring to the lifelong pursuit of learning and knowledge.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." - John 1:1 (Bible). This quote highlights the concept of the word as a foundational element of creation and divinity.
Etymology
The word "word" has a long history, tracing back thousands of years! Here's a breakdown of its origin:
Origin Family: The word "word" comes from a big family of words in what's called Proto-Indo-European (PIE), an ancient language spoken thousands of years ago. This family also includes words in other languages like Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit that have to do with speaking.
Great-Great-Grandmother Word: The PIE root for "word" is believed to be "were-," which basically meant "to speak" or "to say."
Grandmother Word: Fast forward a bit, and folks speaking Proto-Germanic (ancestor of many European languages) used the word "*wurda-," which meant things like "speech," "talk," or even "sentence."
Old English Parent: Finally, in Old English, our direct ancestor, the word became "word," which had similar meanings to its Proto-Germanic parent. It could also refer to news, reports, or even promises.
So, the word "word" started out way back in the day as a way to talk about the act of speaking itself, and over time, it narrowed down to the specific units of language we use today.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Bilateral
Phrases:
In a word: Briefly stated, to sum things up. (e.g., "In a word, the movie was fantastic.")
Get the word out: Spread information or news. (e.g., "We need to get the word out about the bake sale.")
Have a word with someone: Talk to someone privately, often to address a problem. (e.g., "The teacher had a word with me about my behaviour.")
Take someone at their word: Believe what someone says. (e.g., "I took him at his word and loaned him the money.")
Every word is true: Everything being said is accurate. (e.g., "I can't believe it, every word of the rumour is true!")
Idioms:
A word to the wise: A piece of advice, a hint. (e.g., "A word to the wise, don't eat that last slice of pizza.")
By word of mouth: Through spoken communication, not written. (e.g., "The news spread by word of mouth before anyone even reported it.")
Eat your words: Take back something you said, especially if it was wrong or boastful. (e.g., "He had to eat his words after the team lost the game.")
Get a word in edgewise: Be able to interrupt or contribute to a conversation when others are dominating. (e.g., "It was hard to get a word in edgewise with everyone talking at once.")
Put in a good word: Speak favourably about someone, recommend them. (e.g., "I can put in a good word for you with the manager.")
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Source Information
Definition of bilateral from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
