multilingual

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'multilingual' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who speaks multiple languages. For example: "She is a multilingual speaker, able to communicate fluently in three different languages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The multilingual deputy prime minister spoke in German.

The Guardian

If you spent your day endlessly scrolling through 1.3 billion soul-deadening hen party photo uploads and infinite multilingual variations of "U OK hun?", you'd want to run as far away from people as you could too.

The Guardian - Tech

In multilingual India, Tamil speakers, long wary of the dominance of Hindi, purged their language of non-Tamil borrowings and instituted strict language requirements in public schools in Tamil Nadu.

The Economist

Tim Doner, an American teenage polyglot (see The Economist's multilingual video interview with him here) is much the same.

The Economist

And though the multilingual Mr Clegg is making the party yet more internationalist than it was, his disastrous decision to debate against Nigel Farage of the anti-EU UK Independence Party has shown the limits to this.

The Economist

A general complained this week that "500 foreign mercenaries" were poised to infiltrate Chechnya from Georgia, its edgily neutral southern neighbour.In this section Turkey's latest controversial dam The euro's agony, Europe's opportunity How multilingual is France?

The Economist

Australia, New Zealand and countries in Central and South America are also demanding the return of sensitive art work from dealers and auction houses directly.In this section Love in the time of killing Man of the moment The measure of man Masks and magic Multilingual Elephantasia ReprintsOther areas of tribal art are more resilient.

The Economist

These language proposals may have been far too ambitious even for a country that needed such a lavishly multilingual policy, which Zimbabwe does not.

The Economist

It was a rare moment in which the tough-talking Texan looked more multilateral than the multilingual, Swiss-educated senator.History has shown that many people remember presidential debates more for body language and one-liners than for carefully crafted policy positions.

The Economist

Mr Vasquez says there is an urgent need for relatively simple things, such as multilingual maps, guides and websites.

The Economist

In the global higher-education market, for example, Estonia boasts dozens of institutions (admittedly, of varying quality) offering competitively priced, multilingual courses.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's language skills, use "multilingual" to indicate proficiency in more than two languages. For environments or resources, use it to highlight the availability or presence of multiple languages.

Common error

Avoid using "multilingual" when "bilingual" (proficient in two languages) is more accurate. "Multilingual" specifically implies proficiency in three or more languages.

Linguistic Context

The term "multilingual" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone related to multiple languages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the ability to communicate fluently in, or pertaining to, several languages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "multilingual" is an adjective used to describe proficiency in multiple languages or contexts where several languages are present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence across diverse sources like The Economist and The Guardian. It's essential to use "multilingual" accurately, reserving it for situations involving more than two languages and considering alternatives like "polyglot" or "fluent in several languages" to add nuance. From news media to business and science, "multilingual" accurately conveys the presence of linguistic diversity and skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polyglot

Refers specifically to a person who knows and is able to use several languages.

multilanguage

A direct synonym, simply emphasizing the presence of multiple languages.

bilingual or multilingual

Includes both the ability to speak two languages (bilingual) and multiple languages.

fluent in several languages

Focuses on the fluency aspect, highlighting proficiency in multiple languages.

conversant in many languages

Emphasizes conversational ability in several languages.

language proficient

Highlights overall language proficiency without specifying the number of languages.

skilled in multiple languages

Focuses on the skill aspect of knowing multiple languages.

versed in several tongues

A more formal and literary way of saying proficient in multiple languages.

able to speak various languages

A straightforward way of expressing the ability to speak multiple languages.

linguistically diverse

Describes a setting or group that includes a variety of languages.

FAQs

How can I use "multilingual" in a sentence?

You can use "multilingual" to describe a person, for example: "She is a "multilingual" speaker, fluent in English, French, and Spanish." Or to describe a document or service: "The company offers "multilingual" support for its international customers".

What's the difference between "multilingual" and "bilingual"?

"Bilingual" refers to proficiency in two languages, while "multilingual" indicates proficiency in more than two languages. Therefore, someone who speaks three languages is "multilingual", not bilingual.

What are some alternatives to saying "multilingual"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "polyglot" (for a person), "multilanguage", or "fluent in several languages".

Is it correct to use "multilingual" to describe a website?

Yes, it is correct. You can say a website is "multilingual" if it offers content in multiple languages. This indicates that the website is accessible to a diverse audience.