VocabDictionary

trilingual

/traɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Able to speak, read, or write in three different languages with fluency or proficiency.

Example Sentences:
  • Growing up in a multicultural household allowed her to become trilingual by the age of ten.
  • The international conference provided trilingual documentation in English, French, and Spanish.
2.noun

A person who is able to speak three languages.

Example Sentences:
  • As a trilingual, he was the perfect candidate for the diplomatic position in Brussels.
  • The school curriculum is designed to produce trilinguals who can compete in the global economy.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “trilingual”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin prefix 'tri-' (three) and 'lingua' (tongue/language), combined with the suffix '-al' to form an adjective. It entered English usage in the 19th century to describe individuals or texts capable of functioning in three distinct languages.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Tri (three) + Lingua (tongue/language) = Three tongues/languages.

Frequently Asked Questions About “trilingual

1. What is the meaning of “trilingual” in English?

In English, trilingual (adjective) is defined as: “Able to speak, read, or write in three different languages with fluency or proficiency.”.

2. How do you use “trilingual” in a sentence?

Growing up in a multicultural household allowed her to become trilingual by the age of ten.

3. What are English synonyms of “trilingual”?

Common synonyms include:polyglot,multilingual,tri-lingual

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “trilingual”?

Derived from the Latin prefix 'tri-' (three) and 'lingua' (tongue/language), combined with the suffix '-al' to form an adjective. It entered English usage in the 19th century to describe individuals or texts capable of functioning in three distinct languages.