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Doublet: meaning, definitions and examples

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doublet

 

[ˈdʌblɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

linguistic term

A doublet is a pair of words in the same language that have different forms but are derived from the same etymological root. They often arise when two forms of a word enter a language from different sources over time.

Synonyms

couplet, pair.

Examples of usage

  • The words 'regal' and 'royal' are doublets derived from the Latin 'regalis'.
  • In English, 'fragile' and 'flimsy' are examples of doublets with similar meanings.
  • The terms 'shirt' and 'skirt' can be considered as doublets because they share a common origin.
  • Doublets reveal fascinating insights into the history of language development.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

In historical contexts, a doublet refers to a close-fitting jacket worn by men, typically made of wool or linen. This garment was popular in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance periods and was often padded for warmth and style.

Synonyms

jacket, vest.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a stylish doublet with intricate embroidery at the festival.
  • The actor donned a doublet to reflect the fashion of the Elizabethan era.
  • Doublets were often worn over a shirt and under a cloak during the 16th century.
  • In the reenactment, they showcased various styles of doublets from different periods.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'doublet' comes from the Latin word 'duplex', meaning 'twofold' or 'double'.
  • Originally in English, it referred to a type of medieval garment, reflecting the concept of doubling in style.
  • In linguistics, it specifically refers to words in a language that have developed from the same root but entered the language via different paths.

Linguistics

  • An example of a doublet can be seen in the English words 'royalty' (from Old French) and 'regal' (from Latin). Both relate to kings and queens.
  • The concept relates to 'home' from Old English 'ham' and Latin 'domus', showing how words can evolve and diversify.
  • In phonetics, doublets highlight how pronunciation changes can occur between languages, showcasing language evolution.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, doublets are often used as a literary device to enrich language and create depth in meaning.
  • Famous authors, such as Shakespeare, often played with doublets by using words that sound similar but evoke different images or ideas.
  • The use of doublets can enhance rhyme and rhythm in poetry, making it more engaging for readers.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have adopted doublets in their languages, showing the interactions and influences between different languages throughout history.
  • Understanding doublets is essential for language learners to grasp the nuances and richness of vocabulary, particularly in English.
  • The recognition of doublets can foster a multilingual perspective, encouraging appreciation for linguistic diversity in global communication.

Games and Puzzles

  • Doublets are often used in word games like Scrabble to challenge players to find related terms with different origins.
  • In the puzzle world, players may be tasked to transform a word into another by changing one letter at a time, akin to exploring doublets.
  • Educational tools sometimes incorporate doublets to help learners distinguish between similar-sounding words and broaden their vocabulary.

Translations

Translations of the word "doublet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doblete

🇮🇳 डबलट

🇩🇪 Doppel

🇮🇩 dup

🇺🇦 дублет

🇵🇱 dublet

🇯🇵 ダブレット

🇫🇷 doublet

🇪🇸 doblete

🇹🇷 doublet

🇰🇷 더블렛

🇸🇦 دوبلت

🇨🇿 dubl

🇸🇰 dubl

🇨🇳 双音节词

🇸🇮 dubl

🇮🇸 dubl

🇰🇿 дублет

🇬🇪 დუბლეტი

🇦🇿 dubl

🇲🇽 doblete

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,058, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.