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Twain: meaning, definitions and examples

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twain

 

[ twein ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary reference

The term 'twain' is an archaic word meaning 'two'. It is most famously associated with the American author Mark Twain, who adopted the pen name inspired by a term used in riverboat navigation, 'mark twain', indicating a safe depth of water, meaning two fathoms. In literature, it often conveys the duality of human experience, suggesting two sides or perspectives. Though obsolete in modern vernacular, 'twain' aptly expresses notions of separation and partnership.

Synonyms

double, duo, pair

Examples of usage

  • The twain shall never meet.
  • They were two lives as different as twain.
  • The concept of twain is prevalent in his dichotomous themes.

Translations

Translations of the word "twain" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น duas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅ‹

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช zwei

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dua

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะฒะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dwa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไบŒ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท deux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‘˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุซู†ุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dva

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dva

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dva

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tvรถ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตะบั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ iki

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dos

Etymology

The word 'twain' has its origins in Old English 'twan', which meant 'two'. It is closely related to the German word 'zwain' and Dutch 'twintig'. The term evolved through Middle English, wherein it appeared as 'tweyne' or 'twai', used in various contexts that conveyed the concept of two or a pair. Its most significant evolution occurred with the rise of Mark Twain, the famous American author born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who adopted this name during the late 19th century. Twain's works often examined social issues through a dual lens, embodying the spirit of the word. The usage of 'twain' has largely fallen out of common usage in everyday language but retains a particular resonance in literary and historical references.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,753, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.