having two parts or aspects his dual role as composer and conductor She has dual nationality (= is a citizen of two different countries). The piece of furniture serves a dual purpose as a cabinet and as a table. see dual-purpose Which Word?double / dualThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:
| double ~ | dual ~ |
|---|---|
| bed | purpose |
| doors | function |
| figures | role |
| standards | approach |
| thickness | citizenship |
- Dual describes something that has two parts, uses, or aspects.
- Double can be used with a similar meaning, but when it is used to describe something that has two parts, the two parts are usually the same or very similar.
- Double, but not dual, can describe something that is made for two people or things, or is twice as big as usual.
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