What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interlingual
Example
The interlingual communication between the two countries was facilitated by a professional translator. [interlingual: adjective]
Example
She is an expert in interlingual studies, with a focus on the similarities and differences between Spanish and Portuguese. [interlingual: noun]
multilingual
Example
He grew up in a multilingual household, speaking English, Spanish, and French. [multilingual: adjective]
Example
The city is known for its multilingual population, with over 100 different languages spoken. [multilingual: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multilingual is more commonly used than interlingual in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Interlingual is less common and is typically used in academic or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interlingual and multilingual?
Interlingual can have a more formal or technical connotation due to its focus on comparison and contrast between different languages. Multilingual, on the other hand, is a more neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
