- 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 cupboard and as a table.
Which Word? double / dualdouble / dualThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:see also dual-purposedouble ~ 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.
Oxford Collocations DictionaryDual is used with these nouns:- carriageway
- citizenship
- function
- …
Word Originlate Middle English (as a noun denoting either of the two middle incisor teeth in each jaw): from Latin dualis, from duo ‘two’.
Check pronunciation:
dual