Origin: Latin suffix -al
Multilingual has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
a polyglot
"The multilingual diplomat could negotiate treaties in five different languages during a single day."
using or knowing more than one language
"a multilingual translator"
"a multilingual nation"
Of, relating to, or involving multiple languages.
"The multilingual conference allowed delegates from five different countries to communicate in their native tongues."
In plain English: Multilingual means being able to speak more than one language fluently.
"The hotel staff were multilingual and could speak English, Spanish, and French to help their guests."
Usage: Use this term to describe individuals who speak several languages or organizations that operate across different linguistic groups. Avoid confusing it with "polyglot," which specifically refers to a person rather than the general state of having multiple languages.
The word multilingual combines the prefix multi- with lingual, meaning it literally describes someone who is skilled in many languages. It entered English as a direct formation from these two Latin-derived roots to denote fluency across multiple tongues.