bilateral
Definitions
Involving two sides or two parties equally.
双边的；双方的
Affecting or relating to both sides of the body or a structure.
（身体或结构）两侧的；左右对称的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedbi- (two) + later (side) + -al (adj.) = 'two-sided.' In diplomacy and trade this means 'between two parties' — a bilateral agreement binds exactly two countries. In anatomy it keeps the literal sense: bilateral symmetry means the two sides mirror each other.
Root later still carries 5 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.bilateral agreement双边协议
- 2.bilateral trade双边贸易
- 3.bilateral talks双边会谈
- 4.bilateral relations双边关系
Example Sentences
- 1.
The two nations signed a bilateral trade agreement last week.
- 2.
Bilateral talks between the presidents lasted three hours.
- 3.
The patient was diagnosed with bilateral knee pain.
Easily Confused
bilateral vs unilateral vs multilateral — Same root (side), different count of parties: bilateral = two parties acting together; multilateral = three or more; unilateral = one party acting alone (often without consulting the others). Count the sides to pick the word.