May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

 Browse the A to Z list

Quadrilingual

adj. capable, thoughtful formal

What it means

Able to use four languages, or presented in four languages.

Reach for it when highlighting exactly four languages rather than broad multilingualism

The quadrilingual guide welcomed visitors in Romanian, English, German, and Hungarian.

Words to choose between 5

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
professional
formal
literary

  • everyday

    four-language

    Fits when a document has four parallel versions

    Careful Four-language rarely describes personal fluency.

  • professional

    multilingual

    Fits when the exact number of languages is unimportant

    Careful Multilingual does not specify four.

  • formal

    linguistically versatile

    Fits when flexible language use deserves emphasis

    Careful Versatility may involve fewer than four languages.

  • formal

    tetralingual

    Fits when a technical synonym fits the audience

    Careful Tetralingual is rarer and may distract.

  • literary

    polyglot

    Fits when a person's command of several languages is praised

    Careful Polyglot leaves both number and proficiency open.

Opposites 3

  • monolingual
  • untranslated
  • linguistically limited

Common phrases 3

  • quadrilingual edition

    The quadrilingual edition places each translation on facing pages.

  • quadrilingual speaker

    A quadrilingual speaker greeted every delegation personally.

  • quadrilingual signage

    Quadrilingual signage made the station easier to navigate.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated