Bilingually is a word that is commonly used in the English language. It is a term that refers to the ability to speak two languages fluently. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bilingually, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Bilingually is an adverb that describes the ability to speak two languages fluently. It is used to describe someone who is proficient in two languages and can communicate effectively in both. The term is often used interchangeably with the phrase “bilingualism.”
Origin
The word bilingually is derived from the Latin word “bilinguis,” which means “speaking two languages.” The term has been in use since the early 20th century and has become increasingly common in recent years as more people become bilingual.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bilingually means “in a manner involving the use of two languages.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “using or able to use two languages especially with equal fluency.”
Associations
Bilingually is often associated with multiculturalism and diversity. It is also associated with cognitive benefits such as improved problem-solving skills and enhanced memory function.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bilingually include bilingualism, multilingualism, and fluency in two languages.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bilingually include monolingualism, which refers to the ability to speak only one language, and language barrier, which refers to the inability to communicate effectively in a particular language.
The same root words
The same root words as bilingually include bilingual, which refers to a person who is proficient in two languages, and biliterate, which refers to the ability to read and write in two languages.
Example Sentences
- She was able to communicate bilingually with her grandparents who spoke a different language.
- The job required the candidate to be bilingually fluent in both English and Spanish.
- The school offered a bilingually taught curriculum to cater to students from different language backgrounds.
Bilingually is a term that describes the ability to speak two languages fluently. It is associated with multiculturalism and diversity and has cognitive benefits such as improved problem-solving skills and enhanced memory function. The term has been in use since the early 20th century and has become increasingly common in recent years as more people become bilingual.