Duality: meaning, definitions and examples

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duality

[duːˈælɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

philosophy

The quality or character of being twofold; dichotomy.

Synonyms

dichotomy, twoness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
duality	Use 'duality' when referring to having two parts or aspects, especially in philosophical or abstract discussions. It can be used to describe the existence of two contrasting or complementary elements within a single entity. The duality of human nature is a common theme in literature. She felt a sense of duality, caught between two worlds.
twoness	Use 'twoness' in more informal or poetic situations to emphasize the quality of being two or the state of being composed of two parts. It is less common in everyday language. The twoness of the couple was evident in their matching outfits. He often spoke about the spiritual twoness he felt within himself.
dichotomy	Use 'dichotomy' when describing a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being entirely different or opposite. It often indicates a sharp division. There is a clear dichotomy between science and religion in this debate. The dichotomy between rich and poor continues to widen.

Word

Description / Examples

duality

Use 'duality' when referring to having two parts or aspects, especially in philosophical or abstract discussions. It can be used to describe the existence of two contrasting or complementary elements within a single entity.

The duality of human nature is a common theme in literature.
She felt a sense of duality, caught between two worlds.

twoness

Use 'twoness' in more informal or poetic situations to emphasize the quality of being two or the state of being composed of two parts. It is less common in everyday language.

The twoness of the couple was evident in their matching outfits.
He often spoke about the spiritual twoness he felt within himself.

dichotomy

Use 'dichotomy' when describing a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being entirely different or opposite. It often indicates a sharp division.

There is a clear dichotomy between science and religion in this debate.
The dichotomy between rich and poor continues to widen.

Examples of usage

Duality is a fundamental concept in philosophy, representing the idea of two separate but interrelated entities.
The duality of good and evil is a common theme in many philosophical discussions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

physics

The theory that the universe is composed of two basic, opposed substances.

Synonyms

contradiction, opposition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
duality	Also used in mathematics and philosophy to describe dual aspects of a concept or system. Mentioned twice, it indicates a repetitive emphasis on its importance in certain fields. The duality of particle and wave behavior in physics is quite intriguing. In literature, duality often provides a deeper understanding of a character's conflict.
opposition	Used to describe resistance or dissent, especially in a political context or when describing a stance against something. It emphasizes active resistance or contrast. The new policy faced strong opposition from the public. There is significant opposition to the proposed changes in the law.
contradiction	Refers to a situation where two or more facts, statements, or actions are opposed to each other and cannot both be true at the same time. Often used to highlight inconsistency or logical conflict. There's a contradiction between his actions and his words. The witness's testimony was full of contradictions.

Word

Description / Examples

duality

Also used in mathematics and philosophy to describe dual aspects of a concept or system. Mentioned twice, it indicates a repetitive emphasis on its importance in certain fields.

The duality of particle and wave behavior in physics is quite intriguing.
In literature, duality often provides a deeper understanding of a character's conflict.

opposition

Used to describe resistance or dissent, especially in a political context or when describing a stance against something. It emphasizes active resistance or contrast.

The new policy faced strong opposition from the public.
There is significant opposition to the proposed changes in the law.

contradiction

Refers to a situation where two or more facts, statements, or actions are opposed to each other and cannot both be true at the same time. Often used to highlight inconsistency or logical conflict.

There's a contradiction between his actions and his words.
The witness's testimony was full of contradictions.

Examples of usage

The concept of duality in physics suggests that light behaves as both a wave and a particle.
Quantum mechanics introduces the idea of wave-particle duality, challenging traditional notions of matter.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

The concept often explores the relationship between mind and body, suggesting that both exist in a unique interaction.
Famed philosophers like Descartes discussed duality in the context of the separation between thought and physical existence.

Science

In physics, wave-particle duality describes how light can behave as both a particle and a wave, depending on how it is observed.
Quantum mechanics introduces the idea that particles can exist in multiple states or locations at once, a form of duality in nature.

Literature

Many classic novels explore duality through characters with conflicting desires or moral dilemmas, highlighting the complexity of human nature.
The theme of duality can be seen in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', showcasing the struggle between good and evil within a single character.

Religion

In many spiritual traditions, duality is referenced as the conflict between good and evil, light and darkness.
Eastern philosophies often discuss duality in the form of yin and yang, where opposites maintain balance in the universe.

Psychology

In psychology, duality may refer to the concept of cognitive dissonance, where a person experiences conflicting thoughts and beliefs.
The idea of having an 'inner critic' and an 'inner friend' demonstrates an individual's internal duality in processing emotions and thoughts.

Translations

Translations of the word "duality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dualidade

🇮🇳 द्वैतता

🇩🇪 Dualität

🇮🇩 dualitas

🇺🇦 дуальність

🇵🇱 dualizm

🇯🇵 二重性 (にじゅうせい)

🇫🇷 dualité

🇪🇸 dualidad

🇹🇷 ikilik

🇰🇷 이중성 (ijungseong)

🇸🇦 ازدواجية

🇨🇿 dualita

🇸🇰 dualita

🇨🇳 双重性 (shuāngchóngxìng)

🇸🇮 dualnost

🇮🇸 tvíeðli

🇰🇿 қосарлылық

🇬🇪 ორპირობა

🇦🇿 ikilik

🇲🇽 dualidad

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,262, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14259 creamy
14260 monoclonal
14261 homely
14262 duality
14263 abutting
14264 priestly
14265 proletarian
...