Word
bilingualism
Phoneticsbilin·gual·ism
US/baɪˈɫɪŋɡwəˌɫɪzəm/
UK/baɪlˈɪŋɡjuːəlˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. being able to use two languages well. You also use it for places or schools where people use two languages every day.
n. functional proficiency in two languages, or the regular coexistence and use of two languages within an individual, community, or institution.
Examples
“Bilingualism helps children speak to both grandparents easily.”
“The school supports bilingualism by teaching maths in English and history in Spanish.”
“Research on bilingualism suggests that regular switching between languages may strengthen attention control, though findings vary across age groups and language pairs.”
Examples
simple
“Bilingualism helps children speak to both grandparents easily.”
contextual
“The school supports bilingualism by teaching maths in English and history in Spanish.”
complex
“Research on bilingualism suggests that regular switching between languages may strengthen attention control, though findings vary across age groups and language pairs.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bilingualism” in context.
Verb
01. benefit from bilingualism
“Young learners benefit from bilingualism in memory and concentration.”
verb + prep + noun
02. bilingualism spreads
“Bilingualism spreads quickly in cities with many international families.”
noun + verb
03. bilingualism thrives
“Bilingualism thrives in schools where both languages are used daily.”
noun + verb
04. encourage bilingualism
“Parents encourage bilingualism by speaking both languages at home.”
verb + noun
05. foster bilingualism
“The new policy aims to foster bilingualism in border regions.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. balanced bilingualism
“Balanced bilingualism helps children use both languages equally well at school.”
adj + noun
07. early bilingualism
“Early bilingualism gives children a strong start in learning two languages.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. attitude to bilingualism
“Public attitude to bilingualism is very positive in this region.”
noun + prep + noun
09. benefits of bilingualism
“Research highlights the cognitive benefits of bilingualism for children.”
noun + prep + noun
10. degree of bilingualism
“Tests measured the degree of bilingualism in each student.”
noun + prep + noun
11. a commitment to bilingualism
“The school showed a commitment to bilingualism in its new curriculum.”
12. grow up with bilingualism
“Children who grow up with bilingualism often switch languages easily.”
Real-World Examples
“Our study shows that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the aging brain.” “It seems that the benefits of bilingualism are particularly powerful and broad, and include attention, inhibition and encoding of sound.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bilingualism