Two: meaning, definitions and examples

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two

 

[ tuː ]

Noun / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

number

Equivalent to the sum of one and one; a pair of objects or people.

Synonyms

couple, duo, pair.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
two

Used to simply refer to the number 2. Common in everyday speech, academic contexts, and counting.

  • I have two apples
  • We need two more volunteers
pair

Refers specifically to two items or individuals that are meant to go together or form a set. Commonly used for shoes, socks, and other items that come in twos.

  • I bought a new pair of shoes
  • The chess pair faced off in an intense match
duo

Used to describe two people who perform together or have a strong connection, often in entertainment or sports.

  • The musical duo released a new album
  • The comedy duo had the audience in stitches
couple

Often used to refer to two people who are in a romantic relationship. Can also mean a small number, typically around two, but not strictly so.

  • The couple walked hand in hand
  • I need a couple of minutes to finish this

Examples of usage

  • I have two apples.
  • They are both two years old.
Context #2 | Adjective

quantity

Being one more than one.

Synonyms

double, pair, twofold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
two

Typically used to simply denote the number 2.

  • I have two apples.
  • She has been living in the city for two years.
double

Usually indicates something that is twice as much or involves two identical units.

  • I need a double espresso.
  • The population has doubled in the last decade.
twofold

Often used in more formal contexts to indicate something that has two parts or that is twice as much.

  • The solution has a twofold benefit.
  • The company's revenue increased twofold.
pair

Commonly used to describe two things that are meant to be together or work together, such as shoes or partners.

  • I bought a new pair of shoes.
  • They make a great pair in tennis.

Examples of usage

  • She has two cats.
  • He needs two more chairs.

Translations

Translations of the word "two" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dois

🇮🇳 दो

🇩🇪 zwei

🇮🇩 dua

🇺🇦 два

🇵🇱 dwa

🇯🇵 二 (に, ni)

🇫🇷 deux

🇪🇸 dos

🇹🇷 iki

🇰🇷 둘 (dul)

🇸🇦 اثنان (ithnan)

🇨🇿 dva

🇸🇰 dva

🇨🇳 二 (èr)

🇸🇮 dva

🇮🇸 tveir

🇰🇿 екі

🇬🇪 ორი (ori)

🇦🇿 iki

🇲🇽 dos

Etymology

The word 'two' originates from the Old English word 'twā', which has Germanic origins. It has been used in various languages to represent the concept of the number 2. The symbol '2' that we use today also has roots in ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians. The importance of the number two in mathematics, symmetry, and culture has been significant throughout history.

See also: twofold, twoness, twosome.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #41, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.