Double: meaning, definitions and examples

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double

[ˈdʌbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

math

A double is a number that is two times another number.

Synonyms

duplicate, pair, twice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
double	Use 'double' when you want to emphasize that something has been multiplied by two or when two identical items are present. She had to double her effort to win the race. He ordered a double espresso.
twice	'Twice' is used to indicate that something happens two times or that an amount should be doubled. He called me twice today. She earns twice as much as I do.
duplicate	'Duplicate' is best used when referring to making an exact copy of something, often in administrative or technical contexts. Please duplicate this document and distribute the copies to the team. The system detected a duplicate entry.
pair	'Pair' is used when you talk about two items that are usually associated together or function as a unit. I bought a pair of shoes. They make a good pair for the dance competition.

Examples of usage

She ordered a double espresso at the coffee shop.
The recipe calls for a double serving of sugar.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

In some sports, a double refers to a two-base hit in baseball or a two-point play in basketball.

Synonyms

two-base hit, two-pointer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
double	Commonly used in sports, especially baseball and basketball, when a player achieves a score worth double the usual points, or in general contexts to indicate something has been multiplied by two. He hit a double in the final inning. The company's profits doubled this year.
two-base hit	Specifically used in baseball when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches second base. Jones got a two-base hit in the fourth inning.
two-pointer	Used in basketball to describe a field goal made from inside the three-point line, worth two points. She scored a crucial two-pointer just before the buzzer.

Word

Description / Examples

double

Commonly used in sports, especially baseball and basketball, when a player achieves a score worth double the usual points, or in general contexts to indicate something has been multiplied by two.

He hit a double in the final inning.
The company's profits doubled this year.

two-base hit

Specifically used in baseball when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches second base.

Jones got a two-base hit in the fourth inning.

two-pointer

Used in basketball to describe a field goal made from inside the three-point line, worth two points.

She scored a crucial two-pointer just before the buzzer.

Examples of usage

He hit a double in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The team scored a double to tie the game.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

drink

To double is to increase by 100% or multiply by 2.

Synonyms

increase twofold, multiply by 2.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
double	Commonly used in everyday conversation and general writing to indicate something becoming twice as much in quantity or size. Please double the recipe ingredients if you're cooking for eight people. Sales are expected to double next year.
increase twofold	Typically found in more formal or academic writing, suggesting a numerical growth to twice the amount. The company's revenue is expected to increase twofold over the next fiscal year. The population of the species has increased twofold in the past decade.
multiply by 2	Used in mathematical, technical, or scientific contexts to describe the action of multiplying a number or quantity by two. To get the total cost, multiply the price by 2. In the equation, multiply x by 2 to find the value of y.

Word

Description / Examples

double

Commonly used in everyday conversation and general writing to indicate something becoming twice as much in quantity or size.

Please double the recipe ingredients if you're cooking for eight people.
Sales are expected to double next year.

increase twofold

Typically found in more formal or academic writing, suggesting a numerical growth to twice the amount.

The company's revenue is expected to increase twofold over the next fiscal year.
The population of the species has increased twofold in the past decade.

multiply by 2

Used in mathematical, technical, or scientific contexts to describe the action of multiplying a number or quantity by two.

To get the total cost, multiply the price by 2.
In the equation, multiply x by 2 to find the value of y.

Examples of usage

I will double the recipe for the party.
She doubled her investment in the stock market.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

Doubling a number means multiplying it by two, like 3 becomes 6.
In geometry, a double shape can refer to two identical shapes put together.
The concept of 'doubles' is essential for fractions; for example, doubling 1/4 gives you 1/2.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, the number two symbolizes balance, partnership, and duality.
Double happiness is a common phrase in Chinese culture, often symbolizing joy and good fortune.
The phrase 'double-edged sword' refers to something that has both positive and negative consequences.

Linguistics

The prefix 'di-' in languages like Latin and Greek means two, as seen in words like 'dioxide.'
In language, doubling a consonant as in 'bookkeeper' affects pronunciation and meaning in grammar.
The repetition of words in poetry, like 'never never,' creates emphasis, similar to the concept of doubling.

Entertainment

Double features in cinema were standard in the past, where two movies would be shown for the price of one.
In games, doubling points can make for exciting rounds, leading to significant scoring opportunities.
Famous duos in TV shows represent the fun of doubling; think of Batman and Robin or Sherlock and Watson.

Psychology

The 'doubling effect' in psychology refers to how group dynamics can enhance certain behaviors, good or bad.
Research indicates that when people observe double images, it engages their cognitive processes differently than single images.
In decision-making, when presented with double the options, individuals may feel overwhelmed but also more satisfied with their choices.

Translations

Translations of the word "double" in other languages:

🇵🇹 duplo

🇮🇳 डबल

🇩🇪 doppelt

🇮🇩 ganda

🇺🇦 подвійний

🇵🇱 podwójny

🇯🇵 ダブル

🇫🇷 double

🇪🇸 doble

🇹🇷 çift

🇰🇷 더블

🇸🇦 مزدوج

🇨🇿 dvojitý

🇸🇰 dvojitý

🇨🇳 双倍

🇸🇮 dvojni

🇮🇸 tvöfalt

🇰🇿 қосарлы

🇬🇪 ორგული

🇦🇿 ikiqat

🇲🇽 doble

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,232, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1229 exist
1230 acts
1231 reduce
1232 double
1233 articles
1234 banks
1235 survey
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