Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Involving or relating to two or more nations: "international" describes something that exists, occurs, or is carried on between countries.
   • Agreed upon or common to all or many nations: It can refer to laws, standards, or agreements that are recognized across national borders.
   • Having members or activities in several countries: Used for organizations, companies, or events that operate on a global scale.

2. Noun:

   • A sports player who has represented their country in a competition against another country: An athlete who competes at the level of national teams.
   • (Historical, often capitalized) A member or supporter of any of several socialist or communist international organizations: Refers specifically to the political movements known as the First, Second, or Third International.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The United Nations is an important international organization.
  • She works for an international bank with offices in over fifty countries.
  • The conference addressed key international issues like climate change and trade.

• Noun:

  • After his excellent performance, he was selected as an international for the national rugby team.
  • The debate split the socialists, with some remaining loyal to the International.

Advanced Usage

• "International community": A term used to refer to the collective body of nations, especially their governments, in global affairs.

  • The international community condemned the act of aggression.

• "International waters": Areas of the sea that are not under the jurisdiction of any single country.

  • The ship was intercepted in international waters.

• "Go international": To expand a business or activity to operate in foreign countries.

  • The company plans to go international next year.

Variants and Related Words

• Internationally (adverb): In a way that involves multiple countries.

  • The film was internationally acclaimed.

• Internationalism (noun): The principle of cooperation among nations for the common good.

• Internationalize (verb): To make something international in character or scope.

Synonyms

• Global: Relating to the whole world.
• Worldwide: Extending or reaching throughout the world.
• Multinational: Involving several countries or nationalities.

Antonyms

• National: Relating to a single nation.
• Domestic: Existing or occurring inside a particular country.
• Local: Relating to a particular area or neighborhood.

Related Phrases

• International relations: The study of relationships between countries.
• International law: The body of rules established by custom or treaty and recognized by nations as binding in their relations with one another.

Adjective

1. from or between other countries
   • external commerce
   • international trade
   • developing nations need outside help
2. concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations
   • international affairs
   • an international agreement
   • international waters

Noun

1. any of several international socialist organizations