Agency Dictionary

Bilingual

adjectivePronunciation: /baɪˈlɪŋ.ɡwəl/

In Portuguese: Bilíngue

Culture & Identity

What does “Bilingual” mean?

Possessing the ability to speak two languages fluently, or conducted using two distinct linguistic mediums.

Etymology

From Latin bilinguis, "having two tongues, speaking two languages", formed from bi- ("two") and lingua ("tongue, language"), with the English adjective ending -al. In Latin the word could also mean double-tongued, that is, deceitful. The English adjective became current in the 19th century, for people who speak two languages and for texts written in two.

Usage note

Used of people (a bilingual child) and of things (a bilingual dictionary, bilingual education). It also works as a noun: a bilingual.

Synonyms

dual-language
two-language

Word family

bilingualism
bilingually
lingual
linguistic
multilingual
monolingual

Usage examples

At the age of 18, I entered the Architecture and Urbanism program at UNILA, which is bilingual.

Concept

Latin American IntegrationLatin American integration is a regional sociopolitical, cultural, and educational vision aimed at strengthening solidarity, shared academic research, and institutional…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Creative.6 - Suelen VianaJuly 10, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

shogunatenoun: A feudal military dictatorship in Japan, headed by a shogun, in which loyalty and honour were central to its operation. The system was exclusive to Japan and did not exist in other Asian nations.
Monoclenoun: A single eyeglass lens designed to correct or enhance vision in one eye, held in place by the facial muscles around the eye socket.
samurainoun: A member of the warrior class of feudal Japan, bound by codes of loyalty and honour, who served under the shogunate system. In the article, the samurai class is one of the two groups with access to Noh theatre.
Aûsunoun: An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
Aûsubverb: An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
Decorumnoun: Behavior in keeping with good taste, propriety, and established standards of dignity.
espressonoun: A concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
Heterogeneousadjective: Composed of diverse, dissimilar elements, individuals, or cultural traditions joined together.
Hinarionoun: A consecrated book or collection of received spiritual hymns sung in rhythm to structure and guide ceremonies in Santo Daime.
Hookahnoun: A traditional water pipe of Middle Eastern origin used for smoking specially prepared flavored tobacco.
Legacynoun: An enduring body of work, set of values, or material inheritance handed down from a predecessor to future generations.
Lineagenoun: Direct lineal descent from an ancestor, or an unbroken historical sequence of practitioners, ideas, or artistic traditions.

Also from these editions: terms

Audiobooknoun: An audio recording of the narration of a book, enabling listening through digital playback devices.
Carouselnoun: A multi-slide social media post format that allows users to swipe through a sequential series of images or cards.
E-readernoun: A specialized electronic handheld device designed primarily for reading digital books and periodicals.
Hardcovernoun: A book bound with rigid protective boards covered in cloth, heavy paper, or leather.
Paperbacknoun: A book bound with a flexible paper or cardstock cover rather than rigid boards.
Podcastnoun: A digital audio program distributed over the internet for subscription and on-demand streaming or download.
Shelfnoun: A flat, horizontal surface used for organizing, supporting, and displaying stored books or ornamental objects.
Spoilernoun: Information about the plot, climax, or ending of a narrative that impairs suspense for first-time audiences.
Thrillernoun: A fiction genre characterized by intense suspense, psychological tension, excitement, and anticipation.
Urbanismnoun: The study, discipline, and design practice of planning, organizing, and developing cities and human settlements.
Cosmonautnoun: A space traveler trained and certified by the Russian or Soviet space agency. It is often used figuratively to denote an intrepid explorer venturing into uncharted conceptual or scientific territory.