- twice as much or as many as usual
- a double helping
- a double espresso
- two double whiskies
- a double lesson of English
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- having or made of two things or parts that are equal or similar
- double doors
- a double-page advertisement
- ‘Otter’ is spelt with a double t.
- My extension is two four double 0 (2400).
- a high-profile double murder case
- Olympic double gold medallist Mo Farah
- made for two people or things
- a double bed/room
- a double garage
Which Word? double / dualdouble / dualThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:compare singledouble ~ 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.
- combining two things or qualities
- a double meaning/purpose/aim
- It has the double advantage of being both easy and cheap.
twice as much/many
with two parts
for two people
combining two things
Word OriginMiddle English: via Old French from Latin duplus, from duo ‘two’ The verb is from Old French dobler, from late Latin duplare, from duplus.
Idioms
See double in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee double in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishdo/pull/serve double duty (as something)
- to perform two roles or functions at the same time
- This device can pull double duty as a decent laptop and an adequate tablet.
- She deserves credit for serving double duty as a host and performer.
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double