Basic Details
Word: Unilateral
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Involving only one side or group; done by one party without agreement from others.
Synonyms: One-sided, sole, individual
Antonyms: Bilateral, mutual, shared
Idioms and Phrases
- Unilateral decision: A choice made by one person or group without consulting others. Example: "The manager made a unilateral decision to change the rules without asking the team for their input."
- Unilateral relationship: A connection where one side is more involved than the other. Example: "Their friendship felt like a unilateral relationship, as she always did the planning and contacting."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The government took a unilateral approach to the new policy, deciding without input from the citizens.
Example 2: He made a unilateral choice to organise the event without checking with his friends first.
Example 3: In a unilateral agreement, only one party agrees to the terms while the other remains uninformed.
Fun Fact
The word "unilateral" comes from the Latin "unus," meaning "one," and "latus," meaning "side." It has been used in English since the mid-19th century to describe actions or agreements made by one side only.
Famous Quote
"In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit." Anne Frank - This relates to being kind in communication and avoiding unilateral actions that may hurt others.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "unilateral" mean?
a) Involving both sides
b) Relating to one side
c) Involving a group
d) Agreed upon by all
Answer: b) Relating to one side
2. Which of these is a synonym of "unilateral"?
a) One-sided
b) Shared
c) Equal
d) Joint
Answer: a) One-sided
3. Which word is an antonym of "unilateral"?
a) Individual
b) Sole
c) Bilateral
d) Exclusive
Answer: c) Bilateral
4. Which sentence uses "unilateral" correctly?
a) The decision was made after extensive consultation.
b) She felt the project relied too heavily on unilateral input from one member.
c) It was a bilateral treaty that favoured both countries.
d) Everyone agreed to the unilateral suggestion.
Answer: b) She felt the project relied too heavily on unilateral input from one member.
5. Which idiom describes a decision made by one person?
a) Unilateral decision
b) Mutual agreement
c) Shared responsibility
d) Equal partnership
Answer: a) Unilateral decision
