multilateral
Meaning: Involving three or more parties, especially the governments of different countries.
Multilateral describes agreements, negotiations, or institutions that involve multiple countries or parties. The United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the European Union are all multilateral institutions. 'Multilateral negotiations,' 'multilateral disarmament,' and 'multilateral cooperation' are standard diplomatic collocations. The word is contrasted with 'bilateral' (two parties) and 'unilateral' (one party acting alone).
Examples
- The multilateral negotiations on climate change involved representatives from over one hundred and ninety nations. 关于气候变化的多边谈判有190多个国家的代表参与。Las negociaciones multilaterales sobre el cambio climático reunieron a representantes de más de ciento noventa naciones.気候変動に関する多国間交渉には、190か国以上の代表が参加した。기후 변화에 관한 다자간 협상에는 190개국 이상의 대표가 참가했다.
- Supporters of multilateral cooperation argue that global challenges require collective solutions. 多边合作的支持者主张,全球性挑战需要集体解决方案。Los defensores de la cooperación multilateral sostienen que los desafíos globales requieren soluciones colectivas.多国間協力の支持者は、地球規模の課題には集団的な解決策が必要だと主張している。다자간 협력의 지지자들은 지구적 과제에는 집단적인 해결책이 필요하다고 주장한다.
- The breakdown of multilateral trade talks left several developing nations without a voice in the process. 多边贸易谈判的破裂使数个发展中国家在谈判过程中失去了发言权。La ruptura de las conversaciones comerciales multilaterales dejó a varios países en desarrollo sin voz en el proceso.多国間貿易交渉の決裂により、複数の発展途上国がその過程で発言権を失った。다자간 무역 협상의 결렬로 인해 여러 개발도상국이 그 과정에서 발언권을 잃었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin multi- (many) + lateralis (of the side), from latus (side). The word gained particular currency after the founding of the United Nations and the post-war international order.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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