Twopence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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twopence
[ˈtwʌpəns ]
Definition
currency, value
Twopence is a historical British coin that was worth two pence. It was originally minted in various metals including bronze and silver throughout its history. The term 'twopence' can also refer to the monetary value it represents, particularly in discussions of small amounts of money. Although the coin is no longer in circulation, it is sometimes used colloquially to refer to a small contribution or opinion on a matter.
Synonyms
two pence, two pennies.
Examples of usage
- I found a rare twopence coin from the Victorian era.
- He offered his twopence on the discussion about the budget.
- The price was just a twopence for such an antique!
- In the past, my grandmother would give me a twopence for my chores.
Translations
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Origin of 'twopence'
The term 'twopence' originates from Middle English, combining 'two' and 'pence.' The first twopence coins were minted in England around the 14th century during the reign of Edward I. Initially, they were made of silver to represent their higher value. Over the years, as currency evolved, twopence coins began to be minted in bronze and other materials, particularly from the 19th century onward. The introduction of the decimal system in 1971 rendered twopence coins redundant, leading to their withdrawal from circulation. However, twopence remains a part of British cultural and historical dialogue, symbolizing a small yet significant sum of money.