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Twin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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twin

[twɪn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

two identical beings

A twin is one of two children born to the same mother at the same time. Twins can be identical, meaning they are the same sex and look very similar, or fraternal, meaning they are different sexes and may not resemble each other as much. Twins often share a special bond and have a unique connection with each other.

Synonyms

doppelganger, duplicate, pair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
twin

Twin is used when referring to one of two children born to the same mother at the same time, or to describe two things that are very similar or look identical.

  • My twin brother and I share the same birthday.
  • These two cars are twins; you can hardly tell them apart.
doppelganger

Doppelganger is used to describe someone who looks exactly like someone else, often implying a mysterious or eerie similarity. This term has a slightly negative or uncanny connotation.

  • I was freaked out when I saw my doppelganger at the coffee shop.
  • People say everyone has a doppelganger somewhere in the world.
duplicate

Duplicate can be used when referring to an exact copy of something, usually an object, document, or data. It can imply intention and precision in the copying process.

  • Please keep a duplicate of this document in your files.
  • The artist made a duplicate of the sculpture for the gallery display.
pair

Pair is appropriate when talking about two things that are used together or are naturally occurring together, often suggesting they complement each other.

  • I bought a new pair of shoes.
  • Those two friends make a great pair in any project.

Examples of usage

  • My sister and I are twins, and we have always been close.
  • The twins were wearing matching outfits for the party.
  • Being a twin has its challenges but also many benefits.
  • Twins often develop their own secret language to communicate.
  • The twin brothers finished each other's sentences.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Twins can be identical (monozygotic), formed from one fertilized egg, or fraternal (dizygotic), formed from two separate eggs.
  • About one in every 30 births results in identical twins, while fraternal twins are more common, occurring in about one in 120 births.

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures celebrate twins with specific traditions, such as the Yoruba people of Nigeria who see twins as a blessing.
  • In ancient Rome, twins were often seen as signifiers of good fortune, while in some cultures, they were believed to possess spiritual powers.

Psychology

  • Studies among twins help researchers understand the impact of genetics and environment on behavior and personality.
  • Twin studies have shown that identical twins, even when raised apart, often share similar traits, revealing insights about nature versus nurture.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Parent Trap' and 'Twins' highlight the fascinating dynamics and humor that can arise from twin relationships.
  • Famous twin athletes, like the Bar twin sisters in professional tennis, often inspire fans with their shared talents and abilities.

Origin of 'twin'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'twinned' that means 'twofold' or 'double'.
  • The Proto-Germanic root of the word is 'twÄ«z', which also means 'two'.

The word 'twin' has Old English origins, derived from the Germanic word 'twinnaz'. The concept of twins has fascinated people throughout history, with many cultures having myths and beliefs surrounding twins. Twins have been the subject of scientific study as well, with researchers exploring the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to twin births.

See also: Twins.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,369 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.