What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
polyglottism
Example
Her polyglottism allowed her to communicate with people from all over the world. [polyglottism: noun]
Example
He was a true polyglot, fluent in six different languages. [polyglot: noun]
multilingualism
Example
Growing up in a multilingual household, she learned to speak three languages fluently. [multilingual: adjective]
Example
The city's multilingualism made it easy for tourists to navigate and communicate. [multilingualism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Multilingualism is more commonly used than polyglottism in everyday language, as it is a broader term that encompasses a wider range of language abilities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between polyglottism and multilingualism?
Both polyglottism and multilingualism are formal terms, but polyglottism may be considered more specialized and less commonly used in everyday conversation.