Doubled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French word 'dobler', which means to make double.
• In Middle English, it was spelled as 'dobled', showing the evolution of spelling over time.
• The concept of doubling has been present in languages for centuries, reflecting an essential mathematical idea.

Mathematics

• Doubling a number means multiplying it by two, which is a foundational concept in arithmetic.
• In geometry, shapes can be doubled in size, which has real-world applications in architecture and design.
• The concept plays a vital role in statistics, where doubling the sample size can significantly impact the reliability of results.

Literature

• In literature, themes of doubling often explore duality or pairs of characters, such as in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
• Doppelgängers, or 'double walkers', represent a person’s double and often symbolize conflict or identity crises.
• Shakespeare frequently employed the notion of doubling through characters that mirror or contrast each other.

Pop Culture

• The term is used in various popular games, such as 'double or nothing', where stakes can be increased.
• Movies often use a 'double' trope where characters face their exact opposite, creating comedic or dramatic tension.
• In dance, 'double time' refers to a fast-paced rhythm, enhancing the excitement and energy of performances.

Psychology

• In psychological terms, doubling can refer to the phenomenon where people perceive a situation as more intense or significant.
• The idea of cognitive doubling relates to how people often struggle with conflicting thoughts or feelings at once.
• The concept is also explored in therapy, where individuals might face 'double binds', a situation where they feel trapped by contradictory demands.

At #6,195 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6195 doubled
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