bilateral

bee-lah-teh-RAHL/bi.la.teˈɾal/

“bilateral” means “bilateral” in Spanish (involving two parties or sides).

Also: two-sided, reciprocal

Adjectivem/fB2formal

📝 In Action

Los dos países firmaron un acuerdo bilateral para mejorar el comercio.

The two countries signed a bilateral agreement to improve trade.

El médico confirmó que la inflamación es bilateral, afectando a ambos pulmones.

The doctor confirmed that the inflammation is bilateral, affecting both lungs.

Para resolver el conflicto, necesitamos un compromiso bilateral.

To resolve the conflict, we need a two-sided commitment.

Words that translate to "bilateral" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

Which of these involves exactly two parties?

👥 Word Family▼

unilateral(one-sided) — Adjective

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin prefix 'bi-' (meaning two) and 'lateralis' (meaning 'belonging to the side').

First recorded: 19th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: bilateralFrench: bilatéral

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Is 'bilateral' used in everyday conversation?

Not usually. It is a formal word most often heard in news reports about politics or in a doctor's office.

What is the opposite of bilateral?

Unilateral (one-sided) or multilateral (involving many sides).

Does it apply to body parts?

Yes! In medicine, if you have a condition in both eyes or both knees, it is called 'bilateral'.