بین المللی
International describes things that involve two or more different countries.
Explanation at your level:
International means 'from many countries'. For example, an international school has students from all over the world. You use this word when you talk about travel or things that are not just in your home country.
When you travel to another country, you are on an international trip. You might use an international phone plan to call your family. It means something involves more than one country at the same time.
The word international is used to describe organizations, sports, or laws that connect different countries. For instance, the United Nations is an international organization. It is a very useful word for business and travel contexts.
Using 'international' allows you to discuss global affairs with precision. It is often used in collocations like 'international relations' or 'international standards.' It suggests a level of cooperation or interaction that transcends local boundaries.
In advanced contexts, 'international' often refers to the complex web of diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges between sovereign states. It implies a global perspective, distinguishing between domestic policy and international obligations. It is a staple of academic discourse.
The term carries significant weight in geopolitical analysis and international law. It serves as a marker of global integration, often contrasted with 'nationalist' or 'isolationist' frameworks. Etymologically, it represents the Enlightenment-era shift toward codifying the interactions between states, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of global governance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means involving multiple nations.
- Commonly used in business and politics.
- Always use 'an' before it.
- Coined by Jeremy Bentham.
When we say something is international, we are talking about a scope that goes beyond the borders of a single country. It is a word that describes connectivity on a global scale.
Think of it as a bridge between nations. Whether it is an international flight, an international agreement, or an international sports tournament, the core idea is that multiple countries are participating or being affected.
It is a very common word in our modern, interconnected world. You will hear it in news reports, business meetings, and even when you are booking a vacation. It is essentially the opposite of 'domestic' or 'local'.
The word international is a relatively modern invention in the English language. It was coined by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century, specifically around 1780.
He combined the Latin prefix inter-, meaning 'between' or 'among,' with the word national. Before this, people used the phrase 'law of nations' to describe global interactions.
It is fascinating how a single word can change how we think about the world. By creating this term, Bentham helped categorize the growing complexity of interactions between emerging nation-states. It has since become a cornerstone of political and economic vocabulary globally.
You will find international used in both formal and neutral settings. It is rarely used in casual slang, as it carries a sense of importance and scale.
Common collocations include international waters, international relations, and international community. These phrases are standard in journalism and academic writing.
When you are speaking, use it to describe anything that spans across countries. For instance, 'I have an international student in my class' sounds perfectly natural and professional.
While 'international' is a descriptor, it appears in several fixed expressions. 1. International waters: Areas of the ocean not under any country's control. 2. International standard: A widely accepted way of doing things. 3. International language: Often used to describe English or music. 4. International incident: A situation that causes a diplomatic conflict. 5. International call: A phone call made to a different country.
As an adjective, international does not have a plural form. It is typically placed before a noun, such as 'an international airport.'
The IPA pronunciation is /ˌɪntərˈnæʃnəl/. The stress is primarily on the third syllable, 'nash.' A common mistake is to swallow the 't' in the middle, but in clear speech, it should be distinct.
Rhyming words include 'intentional,' 'conventional,' and 'attentional.' Note that it is always used with the indefinite article 'an' because it starts with a vowel sound.
Fun Fact
It was created specifically to replace the clunky phrase 'law of nations'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 't' sounds, standard British vowels.
Flap 't' sound, common American rhythm.
Common Errors
- dropping the 't' in the middle
- misplacing the stress
- swallowing the final 'l'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Commonly used
Very clear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Indefinite Articles
an international
Adjective Order
an international flight
Compound Words
internationalism
Examples by Level
This is an international airport.
Airport for many countries
Use 'an' before 'international'
I like international food.
Food from the world
Adjective usage
She has an international friend.
Friend from another country
Simple subject-verb
We watch international news.
News about the world
Noun modification
They play international games.
Games between countries
Plural noun
He works at an international company.
Company in many places
Article 'an'
It is an international holiday.
Celebrated everywhere
Adjective phrase
Do you like international music?
Music from everywhere
Question structure
The international conference starts today.
We need an international passport for travel.
They are an international team.
He speaks at international events.
She studies international law.
The international market is growing.
We had an international meeting.
They love international travel.
The international community condemned the attack.
She is an international expert on climate change.
The company has an international reputation.
We are looking for international cooperation.
He competes in international tournaments.
The international press covered the story.
They signed an international treaty.
It is an international effort.
The conflict has reached an international scale.
He works for an international NGO.
They are facing international pressure.
The international stage is quite competitive.
She has an international perspective on art.
We need to follow international standards.
The international arena is changing rapidly.
He is an international celebrity.
The treaty aims to foster international stability.
Her research has significant international implications.
The international consensus shifted overnight.
We must consider the international ramifications.
He is a prominent figure in international diplomacy.
The international order is under strain.
They advocate for international human rights.
The project requires international collaboration.
The geopolitical landscape is defined by international interdependence.
The international jurisprudence is evolving.
He critiques the international hegemony of the West.
The international framework needs urgent reform.
She explores the international dimensions of the crisis.
The international community remains divided.
His work transcends international boundaries.
The international legal system is complex.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"international incident"
a situation that causes a conflict between countries
His comments almost caused an international incident.
formal"international waters"
areas of the ocean outside any country's control
The boat sailed into international waters.
neutral"international standard"
an accepted global benchmark
The device is built to an international standard.
formal"international language"
a language spoken globally
English has become an international language.
neutral"international call"
a phone call to another country
I need to make an international call to my office.
neutral"international stage"
the global arena of politics or sports
She performed well on the international stage.
literaryEasily Confused
Both start with Inter-
Interstate is within one country.
Interstate highway vs International flight.
Similar meaning
Multinational often refers to companies.
Multinational corporation.
Synonym
Global is total world scale.
Global warming vs International trade.
Root word
National is one country.
National park vs International park.
Sentence Patterns
It is an international [noun].
It is an international event.
The international [noun] is [adjective].
The international market is volatile.
They work on an international level.
They work on an international level.
We need more international cooperation.
We need more international cooperation.
The international community must act.
The international community must act.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Must use 'an' before vowel sounds.
It is primarily an adjective.
Interstate is usually within one country.
Adjectives do not take -s.
Check the 'io' sequence.
Tips
Break it down
Inter + National.
Use with 'an'
Always 'an international'.
Global perspective
Think of the UN.
Adjective position
Before the noun.
Stress the 'nash'
In-ter-NASH-un-al.
Don't pluralize
No 'internationals' as an adjective.
Bentham's invention
He coined it in 1780.
Read news
Look for 'international' in headlines.
Collocations
Learn 'international relations'.
No 'a'
Always 'an'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
INTER (between) + NATIONAL (nations) = Between nations.
Visual Association
A globe with lines connecting different countries.
Word Web
Challenge
List five international organizations you know.
Word Origin
English (coined by Jeremy Bentham)
Original meaning: existing between nations
Cultural Context
None, universally understood.
Used heavily in media and business to denote global reach.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Travel
- international flight
- international terminal
- international passport
Business
- international trade
- international company
- international market
Politics
- international relations
- international law
- international treaty
Education
- international student
- international school
- international degree
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever been on an international flight?"
"Do you prefer local or international food?"
"Why is international cooperation important?"
"Would you like to work for an international company?"
"What is your favorite international city?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your dream international trip.
How does international news affect your daily life?
Write about the benefits of an international education.
What does the term 'international community' mean to you?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, primarily.
Yes, it is a gradable adjective.
Mostly, but global is broader.
In-ter-na-shun-al.
No, it is too formal.
Domestic or local.
Rarely, usually as 'an international' (person).
Extremely common.
Test Yourself
This is ___ international airport.
Use 'an' before vowels.
What does international mean?
It refers to multiple nations.
International is an adjective.
It modifies nouns.
Word
Meaning
Definition match.
Standard adjective order.
The ___ community is concerned.
Common collocation.
Which is a synonym?
Global means worldwide.
International can describe a single house.
It needs a multi-national scope.
Word
Meaning
Verb form.
Formal structure.
Score: /10
Summary
International describes anything that connects two or more countries together.
- Means involving multiple nations.
- Commonly used in business and politics.
- Always use 'an' before it.
- Coined by Jeremy Bentham.
Break it down
Inter + National.
Use with 'an'
Always 'an international'.
Global perspective
Think of the UN.
Adjective position
Before the noun.
Example
این یک شرکت بین المللی است.
Related Content
More general words
عادتوار
C1As a matter of habit; habitually.
عادی
A1Conforming to the usual or standard type; normal or ordinary.
عافیت
B2Well-being; the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
عاجل
B2Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent.
عاقبت
C1The outcome or result of an action or event.
عاقل
A1Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment; wise.
عالمگیر
C1Universal, worldwide, or affecting all parts of the world.
عالی
A1Excellent; extremely good or outstanding.
عام
B1General, common, public.
اعم از
B2Including; whether (used to introduce options).
