international
ihn-tuh-NASH-nl
International (adj) means involving or shared by two or more nations. Example: “The company has expanded into international markets.”
adj
1
Involving or shared by two or more nations.
"The company has expanded into international markets."
"They organized an international conference on climate change."
"Many international students live in the halls of residence this year."
noun
1
A sports match or event between two or more countries, or a player who has represented their country.
"He's a full international, having played for England twelve times."
"The international against Wales was played in heavy rain."
"She became an international at the age of nineteen."
How to use international
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvolving more than one country, whether that's trade, politics, sport, or travel.
Common pairings
international trade
international flight
go international
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Word forms
- Plural
- internationals
- Comparative
- more international
- Superlative
- most international
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company has expanded into _____ markets.
Etymology
From inter- ("between") plus national; the word was introduced into English by the philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1780.
Class of 1780
international joined the language around 1780.
See the full Class of 1780 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for international
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for international →
Frequently asked questions
What does “international” mean?
The word “international” means involving or shared by two or more nations. In plain terms, involving more than one country, whether that's trade, politics, sport, or travel.
How do you pronounce “international”?
“International” is pronounced ihn-tuh-NASH-nl (/ˌɪn.(t)ɚˈnæʃ.(ə.)n(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “international” in a sentence?
Here is “international” used in a sentence: “The company has expanded into international markets.”
What part of speech is “international”?
Depending on how it is used, “international” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “international” come from?
The word “international” dates back to around 1780. From inter- ("between") plus national; the word was introduced into English by the philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1780.
Is “international” a common word?
“International” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “international” have?
“International” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: involving or shared by two or more nations.
What is the difference between international and global?
International means involving two or more separate nations that keep their distinct identities - an international treaty is signed between countries. Global means covering the whole world as one whole, without emphasis on borders. A global pandemic affects everyone, while an international agreement is made between specific states.
What is the difference between international and national?
National refers to a single nation and its internal affairs, while international involves two or more nations and what happens between them. A national holiday is celebrated within one country; an international conference brings together delegates from many. In scope, the two words are essentially opposites.
What is an example of something international?
The United Nations, the Olympic Games, and cross-border trade deals are all international because they involve many nations. An international flight crosses from one country into another, and international law governs how independent states deal with one another across their borders.
What is the difference between international and multinational?
International describes activity between nations, such as diplomacy or trade. Multinational usually describes an organisation - most often a company - that operates within several countries at once. A multinational corporation has offices worldwide, whereas an international agreement is struck between governments.
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