What does multilaterally mean?
Multilaterally is an adverb meaning in a way that involves multiple parties, participants, or perspectives. Its best-known use is in formal and diplomatic language, as in multilateral negotiations or a multilateral agreement, where cooperation among more than two states, organizations, or groups is involved. The word can also describe something extending or affecting several directions or dimensions, such as a structure that expands multilaterally. It contrasts with acting unilaterally, which means taking action alone, and bilaterally, which involves two parties. The adverb is especially useful when the number and independence of the participants matter, making the scale and collective character of an action explicit. Although related to the more familiar adjective multilateral, multilaterally emphasizes the manner in which an action occurs rather than simply describing an arrangement.
adverbIn a way that involves multiple parties, sides, or participants acting together. It can also mean affecting or extending in more than one direction.
- In a manner involving multiple parties, participants, or perspectives.
- In a manner extending or affecting more than one direction or dimension.
"The regional leaders agreed to resolve the dispute multilaterally rather than through one country acting alone."
"The organization called for the problem to be addressed multilaterally through sustained international cooperation."
"The design was revised to allow the structure to expand multilaterally in several directions."
A bilateral talks with two parties; a multilateral effort opens the door to a much larger table.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does multilaterally come from?
The word was formed from the combining form multi-, meaning more than two or many, together with laterally, an adverb derived from lateral, meaning sideways or to the side. Latin lateralis, meaning “of the side,” is the source of lateral and bilateral, while the prefix multi- comes from Latin multus, meaning much or many. The resulting adverb became especially common in diplomatic and institutional language during the 20th century.
Related word forms
How multilaterally is actually used
The most common use is formal and diplomatic, especially in contexts involving international relations, organizations, or negotiations. In engineering and design, it can describe expansion or movement in more than one direction. It is more precise than a general word such as collectively when the involvement of several distinct parties is important.
Easily confused with multilaterally
Multilateral is normally an adjective describing an arrangement involving more than two parties, whereas multilaterally is an adverb describing how an action is carried out.
Bilateral involves or involves an action between two parties, while multilaterally involves or affects multiple parties or dimensions.