Definition

Adjective 1. Involving or supported by two distinct political parties: Describes an action, agreement, policy, or effort that has the agreement and backing of members from both of the two major opposing political groups, typically in a two-party system. 2. Characterized by cooperation between opposing parties: Indicates a spirit of cooperation and compromise between political rivals to achieve a common goal.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The committee reached a bipartisan agreement on the new education bill. (The agreement was supported by both Democratic and Republican members.)
  • The senator was praised for her bipartisan efforts to reform healthcare. (Her efforts involved working cooperatively with members of the other party.)
  • A truly bipartisan solution is rare in the current political climate. (A solution supported by both sides is uncommon.)

Advanced Usage

• Bipartisan support: This common collocation emphasizes the backing from both sides.
  • The infrastructure plan passed with strong bipartisan support in the legislature.
• Bipartisan commission/committee: A group formally established with members from both major parties.
  • A bipartisan commission was formed to investigate the incident.

Variants and Related Words

• Bipartisanship (noun): The practice or quality of involving cooperation between two political parties.
  • The new law was a rare example of bipartisanship in action.
• Nonpartisan (adjective): Not biased toward or affiliated with any particular political party. (This is a related but distinct concept, meaning neutral rather than involving two parties.)
  • The organization provides nonpartisan analysis of policy issues.

Synonyms

• Cross-party: (Chiefly British) Involving different political parties.
• Two-party: Involving or characteristic of two political parties. (Note: This often describes a system, while "bipartisan" describes cooperation within it.)

Antonyms

• Partisan: Prejudiced in favor of a particular cause, group, or party; one-sided.
• Unilateral: Performed by or affecting only one side.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Bipartisan coalition: A temporary alliance of lawmakers from both parties to pass specific legislation.
• Reach across the aisle: An idiom meaning to seek cooperation with the opposing political party. This action often leads to bipartisan outcomes.
  • The governor urged lawmakers to reach across the aisle and find a bipartisan compromise.

Adjective

1. supported by both sides
   • a two-way treaty