Bidirectional is a term that is commonly used in different fields and industries, from technology to linguistics. It refers to something that can move or operate in two directions, or it can also describe a relationship or communication that goes both ways. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bidirectional, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage in sentences.
Definitions
The term bidirectional is an adjective that describes something that can move or operate in two directions. It can also refer to a communication or relationship that goes both ways. In technology, bidirectional refers to a device or system that can send and receive data or signals in two directions.
Origin
The word bidirectional comes from the Latin word “bi-” which means two, and “directional” which means relating to direction. The term was first used in the late 19th century to describe the movement of waves or currents in two directions.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bidirectional means “functioning in two directions.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines bidirectional as “moving or operating in two directions.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “moving or operating in two directions at the same time.”
Associations
Bidirectional is commonly associated with technology, particularly in the field of electronics and telecommunications. It is also used in linguistics to describe the relationship between two languages that have mutual influence on each other.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bidirectional include two-way, reversible, reciprocal, alternating, and back-and-forth.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bidirectional are unidirectional, one-way, and non-reversible.
The same root words
The root words of bidirectional are “bi-” which means two, and “directional” which means relating to direction. Other words that have the same root words include bilingual, bicycle, and bifocal.
Example Sentences
- The new printer has a bidirectional communication feature that allows it to send and receive data from the computer.
- The relationship between the two countries is bidirectional, with both benefiting from their trade and cultural exchange.
- The bidirectional flow of traffic in the city center caused congestion and delays.
- The bilingual teacher used bidirectional translation to help her students understand the lesson.
- The bidirectional microphone picked up sound from both the speaker and the audience.