Both Meaning and Definition
Both
Pronunciation
/boʊθ/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adverb
Definition
Two; used to indicate a combination of two things, events, or sets of circumstances.
Examples
- The parents took both their children to the amusement park.
- She decided to wear both her favorite dresses to the party.
Synonyms
- Both
- Together
Antonyms
- None
- Not
Etymology
The word “both” comes from Old English “baþ,” which is derived from Proto-Germanic “bathiz,” related to Proto-Indo-European “bhou₂-” meaning “twofold” or “dual.”
Usage Notes
Use “both” to indicate two things or entities that are being considered together, such as “I’m going to both parties tonight.” Make sure to use it to convey a sense of duality or twoness.
Cultural References
“Both” is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “both feet on the ground” or “both barrels blazing.” It can also be found in literary works, such as in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “Ay, there’s the rub, For in both sides lie the reasons that make Choice hard.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Both barrels blazing
- Both feet on the ground
- Both hands tied
Related Words or Phrases
- Double
- Bipartite
- Binomial
Collocations
- Both of us
- Both together
- Both sides
Frequency of Use
“Both” is a commonly used word in modern language, appearing frequently in spoken and written communication.
Common Misspellings
- Boht
- Booth
- Bothy