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Multilingual

UK //ˌmʌl.tɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl//US //ˌmʌl.tɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl//

Definition

Able to speak and understand several languages.

In simple words: A person who speaks several languages.

Examples

She is multilingual, speaking Spanish, French, and German fluently.
In a multilingual society, communication can happen in various languages.
Being multilingual can enhance job opportunities in international companies.
The multilingual program allowed children to learn in different languages.
He grew up in a multilingual family, which helped him learn languages quickly.

Usage notes

Use 'multilingual' to describe people, places, or systems that use multiple languages. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'multi' as many and 'lingual' as languages—many languages!

Collocations

multilingual education
multilingual communication
multilingual skills
multilingual environment
multilingual dictionary

Synonyms

polyglot
bilingual
trilingual
lingual
language-savvy

Common mistakes

Confusing 'multilingual' with 'bilingual' (which means speaking only two languages).
Incorrectly applying it to written texts instead of referring to people or systems.