bidirectional

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bidirectional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a relationship between two parties that involves mutual benefits and influences. For example: "The cooperation between our two countries is bidirectional, with each nation contributing valuable resources to the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

(NB The  Deep Symbiosis Institute works towards expanded awareness and appreciation of truly bidirectional, reciprocal, respectful relationships between Homo sapiens and other sentient, self-aware species) Best,    Alun   .

The Economist

Ribbon microphones are bidirectional and can be used to pick up sounds coming from both sides of the microphone equally well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

XML provides more kinds of hypertext links than HTML, such as bidirectional links and links relative to a document subsection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus an antenna may be omnidirectional (transmitting in all directions) horizontally but narrowly beamed vertically, or it may be bidirectional (transmitting in two directions) in a figure eight pattern with two main directions of energy projection at 180°.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bidirectional systems are used by companies and individuals to supply some or all of their power needs, with any excess power fed back into a utility power grid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, it is a bidirectional concept, encompassing so-called bench-to-bedside factors, which aim to increase the efficiency by which new therapeutic strategies developed through basic research are tested clinically, and bedside-to-bench factors, which provide feedback about the applications of new treatments and how they can be improved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A bidirectional, three-terminal thyristor is called a triac.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were a couple of hundred booths, occupied by promoters of products and enterprises large and small: monster windmills ("North Dakota: the Saudi Arabia of wind energy"); flax producers ("Flaxseed: almost too good to be true"); the revolutionary bidirectional Dakota Sno-Blade.

The New Yorker

This problem is bidirectional.

The New Yorker

The result was a game called Unify, a kind of bidirectional Tetris in which colored blocks drift in from opposite edges of the screen and meet in the middle.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dementia is also associated with anxiety in a bidirectional way — anxiety can accelerate cognitive decline, which in turn can increase symptoms of anxiety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and technical writing, use "bidirectional" to highlight reciprocal relationships or dependencies, showing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "directional" when you specifically mean something operates or moves in two directions. "Directional" only implies a single direction, whereas "bidirectional" clarifies movement or operation in two ways.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "bidirectional" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they involve movement, operation, or influence in two directions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and well-supported by numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

23%

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bidirectional" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective that describes movement, operation, or influence in two directions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, especially in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific literature. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to differentiate "bidirectional" from similar terms like "directional" or "multidirectional". Remember to use "bidirectional" when specifically highlighting a two-way relationship or process, enhancing precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bi-directional

Alternative spelling of the query.

two-way

Focuses on the existence of two paths or methods.

reciprocal

Emphasizes the mutual exchange or action between two parties.

mutual

Highlights shared feelings, actions or experiences.

interactive

Suggests active participation and response between two elements.

two-sided

Implies that there are two aspects or perspectives.

reversible

Highlights the ability to return to a previous state.

double-ended

Indicates having two ends or aspects.

interdependent

Stresses the reliance of two elements on each other.

mutually dependent

Highlights the mutual reliance of two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "bidirectional" in a sentence?

"Bidirectional" is used to describe something that operates or moves in two directions. For example: "The communication between the two departments was "bidirectional", with both sides providing feedback and insights".

What is a synonym for "bidirectional"?

Alternatives to "bidirectional" include "two-way", "reciprocal", or "mutual", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "bidirectional" to describe a one-way street?

No, "bidirectional" indicates movement or operation in two directions. A one-way street would be described as "unidirectional".

What's the difference between "bidirectional" and "multidirectional"?

"Bidirectional" means two directions, while "multidirectional" implies more than two directions. Use "bidirectional" only when referring to two directions.