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international

A2 adjective #38 most common 10 min read

international

Top 38

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips international in 30 Seconds

Explanation international in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'international' is a word you see at the airport or on TV. It simply means 'more than one country.' Think about an 'international airport.' This is a place where planes go to other countries like the USA, the UK, or Japan. If you see 'international news,' it means news from around the world, not just your city. You can use it to describe your friends if they come from different countries. For example, 'I have an international group of friends.' It is a big word, but the meaning is easy: it's about the world outside your own country. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember it describes things that cross borders. When you travel, look for the 'International' sign to find where to go for flights to other nations. It's a very useful word for travelers and people who like to learn about different cultures. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you understand that the world is a very big place with many different people and places to visit.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'international' to describe more things in your daily life. You might talk about 'international food' like pizza, sushi, or tacos. You can use it to describe your hobbies, such as 'international football' or 'international music.' At this level, you understand that 'international' is an adjective, so it comes before a noun. For example, 'I want to work for an international company.' This means a company that has offices in many countries. You also see this word in school or university when talking about 'international students.' It's a great word to use when you want to show that you are interested in the world. You might also hear about 'international holidays' like Earth Day or International Women's Day. These are days that people celebrate in many different countries. Using this word correctly helps you sound more advanced because it shows you can think about things on a larger scale than just your local area. It's about connections between people from different nations.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'international' in various contexts, including work and study. You can discuss 'international relations' or 'international trade' in a basic way. You understand that 'international' implies a level of cooperation or interaction between sovereign states. For instance, you might say, 'The international community is concerned about the environment.' Here, 'international community' refers to the governments and people of many countries working together. You can also use the adverb form, 'internationally,' to describe actions: 'The movie was internationally successful.' This means people in many countries liked the movie. At B1, you can also distinguish between 'international' and 'national.' If a problem is 'national,' it only affects one country. If it is 'international,' it affects many. This distinction is important for writing essays or giving presentations. You might also encounter 'international standards' in technical or business contexts, which are rules that everyone in the world follows to make sure things work together, like the way plugs or internet protocols are designed.

At the B2 level, you use 'international' with more precision and nuance. You can talk about 'international law,' 'international treaties,' and 'international diplomacy.' You understand that 'international' can describe complex systems of governance and cooperation. You might use it to discuss the pros and cons of 'international aid' or the impact of 'international corporations' on local economies. You are also aware of related terms like 'multinational' or 'global' and can choose the best word for the situation. For example, you might explain that while a company is 'international' because it exports goods, it is 'multinational' because it has factories in five different countries. You can use 'international' to describe abstract concepts like 'international prestige' or 'international recognition.' Your vocabulary is broad enough to use the word in formal debates or academic writing. You also recognize the cultural implications of the word, such as how 'international' can sometimes be used to describe a certain sophisticated, worldly lifestyle or aesthetic. You can handle the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'The treaty was a significant milestone in international environmental policy.'

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'international' and its various connotations. You can use it to analyze 'international political economy' or 'international humanitarian law.' You understand the subtle differences between 'international,' 'transnational,' and 'supranational.' For instance, you might discuss how the European Union is a 'supranational' organization rather than just an 'international' one because it has authority over its member states. You can use 'international' in highly formal contexts, such as legal briefs or academic journals. You are also aware of the word's history and how its meaning has evolved with globalization. You can use it to describe the 'internationalization' of higher education or the 'international' dimension of a specific local conflict. You are comfortable with idiomatic uses and can identify when the word is being used rhetorically to appeal to a sense of global solidarity. Your use of the word is precise, and you can easily switch between its literal meaning and its more figurative or symbolic uses. You might also explore the 'international' style in architecture or art, showing a deep understanding of how the term applies across different disciplines.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'international' is complete. You can use it with effortless precision in any context, from high-level diplomatic negotiations to complex philosophical discussions. You can deconstruct the concept of 'the international' as a theoretical framework in political science. You understand how the term interacts with concepts like sovereignty, globalization, and cosmopolitanism. You can use it to discuss the 'international' reach of a specific ideology or the 'international' implications of a technological breakthrough. You are sensitive to the word's power to both include and exclude, and you can use it to critique the 'international' order or to advocate for 'international' reform. Your writing and speaking are characterized by a nuanced choice of synonyms and related terms, ensuring that your meaning is always perfectly clear and contextually appropriate. You might use the word to discuss the 'international' character of the human rights movement or the 'international' legal frameworks governing outer space. You are a master of the word's various registers and can use it to achieve specific rhetorical effects, whether you are writing a formal report, a persuasive essay, or a creative piece of literature.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

international in 30 Seconds

International is an adjective that describes anything involving two or more nations, such as trade, travel, or sports, highlighting connections across national borders.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'international airport,' 'international news,' and 'international student' to indicate a global or multi-country scope.
The word is formed from the prefix 'inter-' (between) and 'national' (relating to a country), literally meaning 'between nations.'
It is a key term in business, politics, and education, signaling that a situation or organization operates beyond a single country's jurisdiction.

The word international is a powerful adjective used to describe anything that involves, relates to, or affects two or more nations. At its core, it is a bridge-building word. When we speak of something being international, we are stepping outside the borders of a single country and looking at the connections between different sovereign states. This could be as simple as a football match between France and Brazil or as complex as a global treaty on climate change involving nearly every country on Earth. The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' or 'among,' and 'national' refers to a specific country. Therefore, the word literally describes the space and actions that happen between nations.

Global Connectivity: In the modern era, the term is ubiquitous because our world is deeply interconnected. We use it to describe business (international trade), travel (international airports), and education (international students). It implies a level of scale and diversity that 'local' or 'national' simply cannot capture.

The international community must work together to solve the crisis.

People use this word when they want to emphasize that a situation is not just a domestic issue. For instance, if a company only sells products in its home country, it is a domestic business. Once it starts exporting to another country, it becomes an international business. This transition often signifies growth, complexity, and a broader perspective. It is also used to describe standards that are agreed upon by many countries, such as international law or international units of measurement, ensuring that people from different backgrounds can communicate and cooperate effectively.

Scope and Scale: The word can apply to small-scale interactions, like a two-country agreement, or large-scale ones, like the United Nations. It is the default term for anything that crosses a border.

She decided to pursue a career in international relations to help foster peace.

Cultural Exchange: It is frequently used in cultural contexts, such as film festivals or food fairs, where many different cultures are represented and celebrated simultaneously.

The city is known for its international atmosphere, with people from all over the world living there.

He earned his first international cap playing against Italy.

The international space station is a marvel of human cooperation.

Using 'international' correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective that modifies a noun. It almost always precedes the noun it describes. For example, you would say 'international flight' or 'international news.' It provides immediate context about the scope of the noun. If you are talking about a school, adding 'international' changes the meaning from a local neighborhood school to one that follows a global curriculum or hosts students from many countries. It is a versatile word that can be applied to abstract concepts like 'peace' or 'cooperation' as well as concrete things like 'airports' or 'shipping.'

Placement in Sentences: As an attributive adjective, it sits before the noun. 'We are looking for an international partner.' It can also follow a linking verb: 'The competition is international.'

The company has seen significant international growth this year.

When using 'international' in more complex sentences, it often pairs with nouns related to systems, organizations, or events. For instance, 'international law' is a specific field of study. 'International waters' refers to parts of the ocean not controlled by any one country. In these cases, the word is part of a fixed or semi-fixed expression. You should also be aware of how it interacts with articles. We say 'an international event' because it starts with a vowel sound. It is important not to confuse it with 'interstate' (between states in one country) or 'intranational' (within one nation).

Common Noun Pairings: Commonly paired with: Airport, Trade, Law, Relations, Student, Community, Standard, Agreement, Market, and Competition.

They reached an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal writing, it is used to denote legal or official status. In informal speech, it might just mean 'from another country' or 'diverse'.

The international terminal is located on the north side of the airport.

Our international sales team is based in London.

The international date line is an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth.

You will encounter 'international' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places is the airport. When you see signs for the 'International Terminal,' it indicates the area for flights arriving from or departing to other countries. This is often the first place a traveler encounters the word in a practical sense. Similarly, in news broadcasts, the 'International News' section covers events happening outside the viewer's home country, providing a window into global affairs, conflicts, and triumphs. It is a staple of journalism, used to categorize stories that have implications beyond local borders.

In Business and Finance: Corporate environments frequently use the term. 'International marketing,' 'international business development,' and 'international trade' are common departments or fields of study. It signals that the company's strategy involves multiple jurisdictions.

The CEO announced a new international partnership during the press conference.

In the academic world, 'international' is everywhere. Universities boast about their 'international student body' to highlight diversity. Scholars engage in 'international research collaborations.' There are entire degrees dedicated to 'International Relations' (IR), which is the study of how countries interact with each other politically and economically. If you are a student, you might take an 'international exam' like the IELTS or TOEFL, which are recognized by institutions across the globe. The word here signifies a standard that transcends national education systems.

In Law and Politics: Politicians and lawyers use it to discuss treaties, human rights, and global governance. 'International law' governs the behavior of states, while 'international aid' refers to resources given by one country to another.

The International Court of Justice is located in The Hague.

In Everyday Life: You might see it on food packaging ('international cuisine'), in your phone settings ('international roaming'), or when dialing a phone number ('international calling code').

Don't forget to enable international roaming before you travel abroad.

The international film festival attracts directors from every continent.

We need to follow international safety standards for this project.

While 'international' is a common word, it is frequently misused or confused with similar terms. One of the most frequent mistakes is using 'international' when you actually mean 'foreign.' While they are related, they have different perspectives. 'Foreign' describes something that is from a country other than your own. For a person in the UK, a car made in Japan is a 'foreign car.' However, 'international' describes the relationship between countries. An 'international car show' features cars from many different countries, including the home country. Using 'foreign' can sometimes sound slightly exclusionary, whereas 'international' sounds more inclusive and collaborative.

International vs. Global: 'Global' refers to the entire world as a single unit, often ignoring borders. 'International' specifically acknowledges the existence of separate nations and the interactions between them. 'Global warming' affects the whole planet; 'international agreements' are how nations try to stop it.

Incorrect: I am going to a foreign airport. (Unless you are already in a different country, you usually mean 'international airport').

Another common error is spelling. Many learners forget the second 'n' or the 'al' at the end, writing 'internation' (which is a noun, though rarely used alone) or 'internatinal.' Remember the structure: inter + nation + al. Additionally, some people use 'international' when 'multinational' would be more precise. 'Multinational' is typically used for corporations that have facilities and other assets in at least one country other than its home country. While a multinational company is international, the term 'multinational' specifically highlights its operational structure across many borders.

Confusing with 'Interstate': In countries like the US or Australia, 'interstate' means between states within the same country. 'International' always means between different sovereign nations.

Incorrect: The international trade between New York and California is high. (Correct: interstate trade).

Overuse: Don't use 'international' if only two countries are involved and a more specific term like 'bilateral' is available in a formal context, though 'international' is still technically correct.

The international community is watching the situation closely.

The brand is internationally recognized for its quality.

We need to improve our international communication skills.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to 'international' but carry slightly different nuances. 'Global' is the most common alternative, often used when referring to the entire world as a whole, such as 'global economy' or 'global warming.' It feels more all-encompassing than 'international.' 'Worldwide' is another synonym, often used to describe the extent of something's reach, like 'worldwide fame' or 'worldwide distribution.' It is less formal than 'international' and more descriptive of physical spread.

Multinational vs. Transnational: 'Multinational' usually refers to companies operating in many countries. 'Transnational' is a more academic term often used to describe things that operate across borders in a way that makes the borders themselves seem less important.

The global market is increasingly competitive.

In more specific contexts, you might use 'cosmopolitan' to describe a person or a city that is influenced by many different countries and cultures. A 'cosmopolitan city' like New York or London feels international because of the people who live there. 'Universal' is used for things that apply to everyone everywhere, regardless of nationality, such as 'universal human rights.' For interactions specifically between two countries, 'bilateral' is the precise term. If three countries are involved, it is 'trilateral,' and if many are involved, it is 'multilateral.' Using these specific terms can make your writing much more precise.

Register and Nuance: 'International' is the standard, neutral term. 'Intercontinental' is more specific, meaning between continents (e.g., an intercontinental flight from Europe to Asia).

The company has a worldwide reputation for innovation.

Formal Alternatives: In legal or diplomatic texts, you might see 'supranational,' which refers to an organization that has power or influence that transcends national boundaries or governments, like the European Union.

The multilateral trade agreement was signed by twelve nations.

The city has a truly cosmopolitan feel.

This is an intercontinental ballistic missile.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Before Bentham coined 'international,' people used the phrase 'law of nations' (jus gentium) to describe global legal relationships.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌɪntəˈnæʃnəl/

US /ˌɪntərˈnæʃənəl/

The primary stress is on the third syllable: in-ter-NA-tion-al.

Rhymes With

Rational National Irrational Professional Confessional Processional Transitional Conditional

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'inter-nation' without the 'al'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Missing the second 'n' sound.
Pronouncing the 'tion' as 'tee-on' instead of 'shun'.
Failing to use the schwa sound for the 'a' in 'national'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is long but the meaning is usually clear from context.

Writing 3/5

Spelling can be tricky for beginners (remember the 'al').

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, though the 't' can be soft in US English.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Nation Country World Between Travel

Learn Next

Global Multinational Diplomacy Sovereignty Globalization

Advanced

Transnational Supranational Cosmopolitanism Bilateralism Multilateralism

Grammar to Know

Adjective Order

A large international airport (Size + Type + Noun).

Using 'an' with vowel sounds

An international event (starts with 'i').

Adverb formation

He travels internationally (add -ly to the adjective).

Compound Nouns

International relations (two nouns acting together).

Prefix 'inter-'

Interconnected, interaction, interstate (meaning 'between').

Examples by Level

I am at the international airport.

Je suis à l'aéroport international.

Adjective 'international' modifies the noun 'airport'.

He likes international news.

Il aime les nouvelles internationales.

Used before the plural noun 'news'.

They have international friends.

Ils ont des amis internationaux.

Describes a group from different countries.

Is this an international flight?

Est-ce un vol international ?

Uses 'an' because 'international' starts with a vowel sound.

We study international English.

Nous étudions l'anglais international.

Refers to English used for global communication.

The hotel has international food.

L'hôtel propose une cuisine internationale.

Describes food from various nations.

She wants an international career.

Elle veut une carrière internationale.

Refers to a job that involves travel or different countries.

It is an international game.

C'est un match international.

A match between two different countries.

I want to work for an international company.

Je veux travailler pour une entreprise internationale.

A company that operates in many countries.

There are many international students here.

Il y a beaucoup d'étudiants internationaux ici.

Students who have come from other countries to study.

We need an international passport.

Nous avons besoin d'un passeport international.

A document used for traveling between countries.

The city has an international atmosphere.

La ville a une atmosphère internationale.

Describes a place with many different cultures.

He plays international football.

Il joue au football international.

Refers to playing for a national team.

They signed an international agreement.

Ils ont signé un accord international.

A formal contract between two or more nations.

I enjoy international films.

J'apprécie les films internationaux.

Movies made in different countries.

The school follows an international curriculum.

L'école suit un programme international.

A study plan used in many countries.

The international community is helping the victims.

La communauté internationale aide les victimes.

Refers to the collective group of nations.

International trade is important for the economy.

Le commerce international est important pour l'économie.

The exchange of goods between countries.

She is an expert in international law.

Elle est experte en droit international.

The set of rules that countries follow.

The product is sold internationally.

Le produit est vendu à l'échelle internationale.

Adverb form 'internationally' modifying 'sold'.

We must follow international standards.

Nous devons suivre les normes internationales.

Agreed-upon rules for quality or safety.

The crisis requires an international response.

La crise nécessite une réponse internationale.

A reaction involving many countries.

He has a lot of international experience.

Il a beaucoup d'expérience internationale.

Experience gained from working abroad.

The organization promotes international peace.

L'organisation promeut la paix internationale.

Peace between different nations.

The treaty was a major step in international diplomacy.

Le traité a été une étape majeure de la diplomatie internationale.

The practice of managing relations between countries.

International aid has been sent to the region.

Une aide internationale a été envoyée dans la région.

Resources given by one country to another.

The company faces stiff international competition.

L'entreprise est confrontée à une vive concurrence internationale.

Competition from businesses in other countries.

They are studying international relations at university.

Ils étudient les relations internationales à l'université.

The study of political and economic links between nations.

The athlete has achieved international fame.

L'athlète a acquis une renommée internationale.

Being known by people all over the world.

International waters are not governed by any single state.

Les eaux internationales ne sont régies par aucun État.

Parts of the sea outside national control.

The festival is an international showcase for new talent.

Le festival est une vitrine internationale pour les nouveaux talents.

An event that displays talent to a global audience.

We need to address international security concerns.

Nous devons répondre aux préoccupations de sécurité internationale.

Issues related to the safety of multiple nations.

The internationalization of the curriculum is a key goal.

L'internationalisation du programme est un objectif clé.

The process of making something international.

He published a paper in an international journal.

Il a publié un article dans une revue internationale.

A publication read and contributed to globally.

The court deals with international human rights violations.

Le tribunal traite des violations internationales des droits de l'homme.

Violations of rights recognized by the global community.

The project is a model of international cooperation.

Le projet est un modèle de coopération internationale.

A perfect example of countries working together.

International capital flows can be highly volatile.

Les flux de capitaux internationaux peuvent être très volatils.

The movement of money between countries.

The policy has broad international support.

La politique bénéficie d'un large soutien international.

Support from many different nations.

We are witnessing an international shift in power.

Nous assistons à un changement de pouvoir international.

A change in the balance of power between nations.

The international legal framework is constantly evolving.

Le cadre juridique international est en constante évolution.

The system of laws that governs global interactions.

The discourse on internationalism has changed significantly.

Le discours sur l'internationalisme a considérablement changé.

The belief in the importance of international cooperation.

The treaty's impact on international sovereignty is debated.

L'impact du traité sur la souveraineté internationale est débattu.

The power of a nation to govern itself in a global context.

She explored the international dimensions of the conflict.

Elle a exploré les dimensions internationales du conflit.

The ways in which a local issue affects other nations.

The international community must uphold the rule of law.

La communauté internationale doit faire respecter l'état de droit.

The principle that all nations are subject to law.

The film explores the international migrant experience.

Le film explore l'expérience des migrants internationaux.

The life of people moving between different countries.

The international monetary system is under pressure.

Le système monétaire international est sous pression.

The system that manages global currency and trade.

The architect is known for his international style.

L'architecte est connu pour son style international.

A specific design movement that is global in nature.

The study analyzes international trade patterns over a century.

L'étude analyse les schémas du commerce international sur un siècle.

The recurring ways in which countries trade with each other.

Common Collocations

International airport

International trade

International law

International community

International relations

International student

International standards

International cooperation

International waters

International aid

Common Phrases

International flight

— A flight that travels between two different countries.

I have an international flight at 6 AM.

International news

— News about events happening in other countries.

I always check the international news in the morning.

International organization

— A group that operates in multiple countries, like the UN.

She works for an international organization in Geneva.

International market

— The global arena where goods and services are traded.

The company is trying to enter the international market.

International competition

— A contest involving participants from different nations.

The Olympics is the most famous international competition.

International call

— A telephone call made to a different country.

International calls can be very expensive.

International agreement

— A formal pact between two or more countries.

The international agreement was signed by 50 nations.

International student

— A student who is studying in a country other than their own.

There are many international students in my class.

International brand

— A brand that is known and sold in many countries.

Apple is a famous international brand.

International date line

— An imaginary line on the Earth's surface that marks the change of one calendar day to the next.

We crossed the international date line during our flight.

Often Confused With

international vs Foreign

Foreign means 'from another country,' while international means 'between countries.'

international vs Global

Global refers to the whole world as one, while international focuses on the nations within it.

international vs Interstate

Interstate means between states in one country, not between different nations.

Idioms & Expressions

"International man of mystery"

— A humorous way to describe someone who travels a lot and seems secretive.

He's always flying to different countries; he's like an international man of mystery.

Informal/Humorous

"On the international stage"

— In the context of global politics or public attention.

The young leader made her debut on the international stage.

Formal/Journalistic

"International incident"

— An event that causes a diplomatic problem between two or more countries.

The arrest of the diplomat almost caused an international incident.

Formal/Political

"International waters"

— Literally, the open sea; figuratively, a situation where no one is in charge.

Once we leave the office, we are in international waters.

Informal/Metaphorical

"International standard"

— The best or most widely accepted way of doing something.

Their service is the international standard for excellence.

Neutral/Business

"International community"

— The nations of the world considered as a single group.

The international community must act now.

Formal/Political

"International relations"

— The study or practice of how countries interact.

He is an expert in international relations.

Academic/Formal

"International student"

— A common term for someone studying abroad.

She was an international student in London.

Neutral/Educational

"International flair"

— A style or quality that feels global or diverse.

The restaurant has a wonderful international flair.

Neutral/Descriptive

"International recognition"

— Being known and respected by people all over the world.

The scientist received international recognition for her work.

Formal/Professional

Easily Confused

international vs Multinational

Both involve multiple countries.

Multinational is usually used for companies with physical operations in many countries. International is a broader term for any interaction between nations.

Google is a multinational company; they have an international team.

international vs Transnational

Both describe things crossing borders.

Transnational often implies that national borders are being ignored or bypassed. International emphasizes the relationship between distinct nations.

The internet is a transnational network, but trade agreements are international.

international vs Worldwide

Both mean across the world.

Worldwide is more descriptive of physical reach. International is more about the formal relationship between countries.

The virus had a worldwide impact, leading to international travel bans.

international vs Universal

Both can mean 'everywhere'.

Universal means it applies to everyone, everywhere, without exception. International means it involves multiple nations.

Human rights are universal, but the treaty is an international agreement.

international vs Cosmopolitan

Both describe a global feel.

Cosmopolitan describes a person or place influenced by many cultures. International describes the formal state of being between nations.

He has a cosmopolitan outlook because he has lived in many international cities.

Sentence Patterns

I like [international + noun].

I like international music.

She works for an [international + noun].

She works for an international bank.

The [international + noun] is [adjective].

The international community is worried.

It is important to follow [international + noun].

It is important to follow international law.

The [internationalization] of [noun] is [adjective].

The internationalization of education is inevitable.

One must consider the [international + noun] of the [noun].

One must consider the international implications of the policy.

They are [international + noun].

They are international students.

He travels [internationally] for [noun].

He travels internationally for work.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in news, business, and travel contexts.

Common Mistakes

I am going to a foreign airport. → I am going to the international airport.
You use 'international' to describe the type of airport, not 'foreign' unless you are already in another country.
He works international. → He works internationally.
You need the adverb form 'internationally' to describe the verb 'works.'
The trade between New York and Texas is international. → The trade between New York and Texas is interstate.
'International' is only for trade between different nations, not states within one nation.
We signed a global agreement. → We signed an international agreement.
While 'global' is similar, 'international' is the standard term for formal treaties between nations.
The internation community. → The international community.
Don't forget the '-al' at the end of the adjective.

Tips

At the Airport

Always look for the 'International' signs if you are flying to a different country. This will lead you to the correct terminal and customs area.

Broaden Your Words

Instead of always saying 'from another country,' try using 'international.' It sounds more professional and precise in business and academic settings.

The 'AL' Ending

Remember that 'international' ends in '-al' because it is an adjective. The noun form is 'nation,' and the adjective form adds the suffix.

Stress the 'NA'

Make sure to put the emphasis on the third syllable: in-ter-NA-tion-al. This is the most important part of the word for clear communication.

An vs A

Always use 'an' before 'international' because it starts with a vowel sound. For example, 'an international school' is correct.

Global Reach

In business, 'international' implies growth. If you want to show a company is expanding, talk about its 'international strategy.'

Not Just Two

While 'international' can mean between just two countries, it often implies a broader, multi-country context.

National Pride

In sports, an 'international' is a huge honor. It means a player is representing their entire country on the world stage.

Stay Informed

Reading 'international news' helps you understand global events and how they might affect your own country.

Diverse Flavors

When you see 'international cuisine,' expect a mix of flavors from different parts of the world, not just one specific country.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'INTER' as 'between' (like an INTERview between two people) and 'NATIONAL' as 'countries'. So, 'between countries'.

Visual Association

Imagine two different flags being tied together with a rope. The rope represents the 'international' connection.

Word Web

Airport Trade Law Student News Community Relations Standards

Challenge

Try to find five things in your house that are international. Look at labels to see where things were made or designed.

Word Origin

The word 'international' was coined by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1780. He needed a term to describe the branch of law that deals with the rights and duties of nations toward each other.

Original meaning: It originally referred specifically to 'international law' before expanding to describe any interaction between nations.

It is derived from the Latin prefix 'inter-' (between) and the Latin word 'natio' (nation, birth, race).

Cultural Context

Be mindful that while 'international' is neutral, some people may prefer terms that emphasize local identity in certain contexts.

In the UK, an 'international' can refer to a sports match between national teams or a player in such a match.

The United Nations (an international organization) The International Space Station Amnesty International

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

International terminal
International flight
International passport
International roaming

Business

International trade
International market
International business
International partnership

Education

International student
International school
International curriculum
International degree

News

International news
International affairs
International community
International crisis

Sports

International match
International competition
International break
International cap

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever traveled to an international destination?"

"Do you enjoy eating international cuisine, like Italian or Thai food?"

"Would you like to work for a large international company in the future?"

"What is your favorite international sporting event to watch?"

"Do you think it's important for students to have international experience?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you met someone from an international background and what you learned from them.

If you could start an international business, what would you sell and which countries would you target?

Write about the importance of international cooperation in solving global problems like climate change.

Reflect on how international travel has changed your perspective on your own country.

Imagine you are an international news reporter. What is the most important story in the world today?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is primarily an adjective (e.g., international news). However, in British English, it can be a noun referring to a sports match or player (e.g., He played in the international).

'Foreign' is from the perspective of one country looking at another (e.g., a foreign car). 'International' describes the relationship or space between multiple countries (e.g., international trade).

The adverb form is 'internationally.' You simply add '-ly' to the adjective 'international.'

While technically 'international' is an absolute adjective, people often say 'more international' to mean 'more diverse' or 'having more global reach.' For example, 'The city is becoming more international.'

An international student is someone who travels to another country to study at a school or university.

It refers to the parts of the ocean that are not under the control of any single country's government.

In American English, the 't' is often very soft or silent, making it sound like 'inner-national.' In British English, the 't' is usually clearly pronounced.

The United Nations (UN) is the most famous international organization, where countries work together on peace and security.

It is a phone call made from one country to a person in a different country.

It is important because it describes how our world works together through trade, travel, and communication across borders.