Twofold Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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twofold
[ˈtuːfəʊld ]
Definitions
in mathematics
Having two parts or aspects.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twofold |
Used typically in formal or academic discussions to indicate something that has two parts or reasons.
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| double |
Commonly used in everyday language to indicate twice the amount or number of something.
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| dual |
Often used in formal contexts to describe something that has two distinct, often complementary, parts.
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| two-fold |
Less common in use and usually seen in written forms, especially within academic or formal contexts, similar to 'twofold'.
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Examples of usage
- It can be viewed as a twofold problem.
- The concept has a twofold nature.
in two ways or directions
In two ways or directions; doubly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twofold |
Mostly used in academic or formal contexts to indicate something has two parts or has doubled.
|
| twice |
Commonly used in everyday language to indicate that something happens two times.
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| doubly |
Typically used in a context where something is increased or intensified in two ways or has double the impact.
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| two times |
Used in casual or mathematical contexts to emphasize the exact number of occurrences or measurements.
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Examples of usage
- He is twofold stronger than before.
- The tree split twofold.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In mathematics, twofold often describes a doubling effect, such as when multiplying a number by two.
- The concept can be observed in geometry, where shapes like rectangles can have dimensions described as twofold (length and width).
- Twofold relationships are essential in probability, where outcomes can be simplified into two potential results.
Cultural References
- In literature and poetry, twofold themes often represent duality, such as love and pain, or light and darkness.
- The idea of twofold meanings plays a significant role in idioms and proverbs, often offering wisest lessons through contrasting ideas.
- Many cultures celebrate duality, such as yin and yang in Chinese philosophy, which illustrates balance between two opposing forces.
Psychology
- In psychological studies, the twofold theory examines how emotions can simultaneously influence behavior in opposing ways.
- Cognitive dissonance can create a twofold experience where individuals hold conflicting beliefs or attitudes.
- The dual-process theory in psychology suggests people think in two ways: one fast and intuitive, the other slow and deliberate.
Science
- In biology, twofold strategies are often found in evolutionary processes, where species may adapt in pairs to survive.
- Physics frequently deals with twofold phenomena, such as light exhibiting both wave and particle properties.
- The concept of twofold in genetics can refer to organisms with diploid cells, possessing two sets of chromosomes.
Origin of 'twofold'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'twofold' comes from Middle English, where it literally meant 'two times' or 'twice as much'.
- The prefix 'two-' indicates a pair, while 'fold' relates to layers or times, combining to create the idea of doubling.
- Similar constructions exist in other languages, highlighting the universal concept of doubling, such as 'doppelt' in German, meaning 'double'.
The word 'twofold' originated from the combination of 'two' and 'fold', with 'fold' referring to the act of bending or doubling something. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something with two parts or aspects, or to indicate something done in two ways or directions.