Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Multilateral
adjective
/ mul-tee-LAT-er-ul /
Easy
Meaning
Involving three or more parties, especially governments or nations, acting together on a common issue
Origin / Etymology
Latin multi- (many) + lateralis (of the side)
Synonyms
Multinational
Collective
Plurilateral
Antonyms
Unilateral
Bilateral
Example Sentence
"India has championed multilateral reform at the United Nations, demanding permanent membership of the Security Council to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS2 (IR) answers when discussing global governance, international organisations, or collective action frameworks — e.g., 'Multilateral trade negotiations under the WTO have stalled over agricultural subsidy disputes.'
Relevant Subjects
