multilateral

UK: ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl | US: ˌmʌltiˈlætərəl

Definition

  1. adj. involving or agreed upon by three or more parties, especially nations

  2. adj. having many sides or aspects

Structure
multi <many>later <side>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "multilateral" combines Latin roots:

  • "multi-" (from Latin multus, meaning "many")
  • "later" (from Latin latus, meaning "side")
  • "-al" (a suffix forming adjectives).
    Originally used in geometry to describe shapes with many sides, it later expanded to describe agreements or actions involving multiple parties, reflecting the idea of "many-sided" cooperation.
Examples

  1. The treaty was a multilateral agreement among five nations.

  2. Multilateral trade negotiations aim to benefit all participating countries.

  3. The polygon is multilateral, with twelve distinct sides.

  4. Diplomats emphasized the importance of multilateral solutions to global crises.

  5. The organization promotes multilateral cooperation in environmental protection.