Double Meaning and Definition
Pronunciation
/ˈdʌbəl/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A double is a person, thing, or amount that consists of two equal or similar parts, quantities, or units; or a second, repeated, or intensified version of something.
Examples
1. “She received double the amount of money she had expected.”
2. “The double roller coaster had two parallel tracks.”
Synonyms
1. Twin
2. Duplicate
3. Replicate
4. Second
Antonyms
1. Single
2. Solo
3. Unrivalled
Additional Information
Double is often used to denote a repetition or intensification of something, such as double pay for an employee who works additional hours beyond their regular shift, or a double celebration for a couple’s anniversary. In mathematics, double refers to a number multiplied by two, or two objects being identical in terms of measurement or quantity. In sports, a double refers to a player who scores two goals or wins two events in a competition. In music, a double refers to a repeated or intensified musical phrase or section.
Double can also be used to describe a person who is identical in appearance or characteristics to another person, such as a double agent in espionage or a double in a theatrical performance. In this context, double refers to the idea of duplication or replication, where one person or thing is a copy or imitation of another.
Double is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from everyday language to technical and scientific applications. Its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used, but it generally implies a sense of repetition, intensification, or duplication.
Double is a word that has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Old English and Germanic languages. Over time, its meaning has evolved to encompass a range of connotations and applications, making it a valuable and versatile word in modern language.
Etymology
The word double has its roots in Old English “dagol” or “dagl”, meaning “two”, and is related to the Old Norse word “dagal”, meaning ” pair of”. It has evolved through Middle English “doublen” and “doubl”, meaning ” twice” or “repeated”, to its modern form, where it encompasses a range of meanings related to duplication, repetition, and intensification.
Usage Notes
Double can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb. As a noun, it refers to a person, thing, or amount consisting of two equal or similar parts. As an adjective, it describes something that is repeated, intensified, or duplicated. As a verb, it means to make or become double.
Cultural References
The word double has been used in various cultural references, including literature and poetry. For example, the phrase “double trouble” is a common idiom that means two people causing trouble together. In music, the term “double” is used to describe a musical phrase or section repeated or intensified.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. Double trouble
2. Double-edged
3. Double dipping
4. Double park
Collocations
1. Double pay
2. Double celebration
3. Double agent
4. Double meaning
Frequency of Use
Double is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use that is moderate to high. It is used in a range of contexts, from everyday language to technical and scientific applications.
Common Misspellings
1. Doubl
2. Dubble
3. Duble