unilaterally
Meaning
done by one person, group, or country without the agreement of others
affecting only one side or one part of something
Structure
Usage
the government decided unilaterally to impose new tariffs.
he made the decision unilaterally, without consulting the board.
the ceasefire was declared unilaterally by the rebel forces.
Etymology
The word 'unilateral' is a Modern Latin formation, entering English in the early 19th century. It is constructed from the Latin elements 'uni-' meaning 'one' and 'lateralis' meaning 'of or belonging to the side'. The literal sense is 'of or pertaining to one side'. This term was adopted into diplomatic and legal language to describe actions, decisions, or agreements undertaken by a single party without the consent of others involved. The adverb 'unilaterally' is formed by adding the common English adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective, solidifying its grammatical function to modify verbs describing such one-sided actions.
Analysis
- uni: from latin 'unus', meaning 'one'. a combining form meaning one, single. - later: from latin 'latus, later-', meaning 'side'. a combining form meaning side. - ally: from latin '-alis' via old french '-el, -al', meaning 'of or pertaining to'. an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.