Doppelganger: meaning, definitions and examples
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doppelganger
[ˈdɒpəlˌɡæŋər ]
Definition
ghostly double
A doppelganger is a ghostly double or counterpart of a living person. It is believed to bring bad luck or even death to the person it resembles. The concept of doppelgangers has been a popular theme in literature and folklore, often associated with supernatural occurrences.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doppelganger |
This term is often used in a supernatural or mysterious context, indicating an exact double of a person, often with a sinister connotation.
|
| double |
Commonly used in everyday language to refer to someone who looks very similar to another person. Can also be used in the context of stunt doubles in movies.
|
| lookalike |
Typically used in a casual context to refer to someone who resembles another person, often in a less precise way than 'double'.
|
| twin |
Usually refers to one of two siblings born at the same time, but can also mean two people who look strikingly similar even if they are not related.
|
Examples of usage
- My friend swears she saw her doppelganger walking down the street yesterday.
- There have been many reports of people encountering their doppelgangers in haunted houses.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from German, where 'doppel' means 'double' and 'gänger' means 'goer' or 'walker'.
- Used since the 18th century, it often represented an omen or a supernatural being in folklore.
- In literature, it has been used to explore themes of identity and the self.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, seeing your doppelganger was considered bad luck or a sign of impending doom.
- The concept appears in various movies and TV shows, exemplifying fears about identity and the unknown.
- Famous works like Dostoevsky's 'The Double' delve into existential questions through the lens of doppelgangers.
Psychology
- The phenomenon of seeing someone who looks like you could represent subconscious conflicts or insecurities.
- Doppelgangers in psychology may illustrate the human instinct to seek mirrors of oneself in others.
- Some psychologists study these likenesses to understand self-perception and social identity.
Technology
- With advancements in AI, creating doppelgangers digitally has become increasingly accessible as 'deepfakes'.
- Social media platforms often feature algorithms that suggest friends or connections based on images – the idea of finding a doppelganger online.
- Augmented reality apps can let you see yourself in different styles, mimicking the doppelganger notion.
Literature
- Many authors use the concept of a doppelganger to explore duality in characters, as seen in works by Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde.
- The theme serves as a metaphor for internal struggles and societal expectations.
- The doppelganger motif thrives in horror and fantasy genres, invoking the uncanny or unfamiliar.
Translations
Translations of the word "doppelganger" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sósia
🇮🇳 डॉपेलगैंगर
🇩🇪 Doppelgänger
🇮🇩 kembaran gaib
🇺🇦 двійник
🇵🇱 sobowtór
🇯🇵 ドッペルゲンガー
🇫🇷 sosie
🇪🇸 doble
🇹🇷 benzer
🇰🇷 도플갱어
🇸🇦 شبيه
🇨🇿 dvojník
🇸🇰 dvojník
🇨🇳 幽灵双胞胎
🇸🇮 dvojnik
🇮🇸 tvífari
🇰🇿 доппельгангер
🇬🇪 ორეული
🇦🇿 oxşar
🇲🇽 doble