Duality Meaning and Definition
Duality
Pronunciation
/duˈælɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A fundamental principle or concept in philosophy and science, referring to the coexistence and interconnectedness of two or more opposing or contrasting elements, forces, or principles, often manifesting as a unity or wholeness.
Examples
- The concept of duality is central to many spiritual and philosophical traditions, recognizing the harmony between light and darkness, good and evil.
- In physics, wave-particle duality describes the coexistence of wave and particle-like properties in subatomic particles.
Synonyms
- Binarity
- Polarity
Antonyms
- Monism
- Unity
Etymology
The word “duality” comes from the Latin ” duplex,” meaning two-fold or double, and the Greek “duo,” meaning two.
Usage Notes
In scientific and philosophical contexts, the term “duality” is often used to describe the coexistence of opposing forces or principles. In everyday language, it may refer to the acknowledgement of the complexity and interconnectedness of the world.
Cultural References
The concept of duality is explored in various mythologies, such as the yin-yang symbol in Taoism, the concept of good and evil in Christianity, and the balance between life and death in many indigenous cultures.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” referencing the unity that arises from the coexistence of opposing elements.
Related Words or Phrases
- Monism
- Polarity
- Binarism
Collocations
- thesis and antithesis
- darkness and light
- good and evil
Frequency of Use
The term “duality” is relatively rare in everyday conversation but is common in academic and scientific writing, particularly in philosophy, science, and spirituality.
Common Misspellings
- Dualite
- Dualiti