Word
dualistic
Phoneticsdu·al·is·tic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌduəˈɫɪstɪk/
UK/djˌuːəlˈɪstɪk/
Definition
adj. describing something that has two parts, especially when these parts are very different or opposite. You use this to talk about ideas like good versus evil or the mind versus the body.
adj. relating to the division of something into two contrasting or opposing aspects. Often describes philosophical or religious systems that posit two fundamental principles, such as mind and matter.
Examples
“The movie presents a dualistic view of good and evil.”
“Many ancient religions are dualistic, teaching that the universe is a constant battleground between light and darkness.”
“The philosopher's dualistic approach to the mind-body problem remains a central point of debate in modern cognitive science, as critics argue for a more integrated perspective.”
Examples
simple
“The movie presents a dualistic view of good and evil.”
contextual
“Many ancient religions are dualistic, teaching that the universe is a constant battleground between light and darkness.”
complex
“The philosopher's dualistic approach to the mind-body problem remains a central point of debate in modern cognitive science, as critics argue for a more integrated perspective.”
Usage
Typically used in academic, philosophical, or religious contexts.
Real-World Examples
“However, while many spiritual practices endeavor to mitigate the problems of the human condition by reducing the duality of self and other, other traditions aim to address these same problems in ways that are, paradoxically, distinctly dualistic.” “According to White, the problem comes from a mindset that pervades medicine, in which illnesses are seen as either biological or psychological, “The vast majority of doctors have this dualistic understanding of mind and body,” he says.” “We may identify as materialists, yet we often retain dualistic thinking, perceiving mental phenomena as non-physical and separate from the brain.” “As children develop, experience and learning put culturally specific flesh on these bare bones, but from its earliest days the human brain is structured to perceive the world along dualistic lines.” Etymology
From dual + -istic. The adjective dual entered English from Latin dualis in the sixteenth century; the suffix -istic attaches the abstract, system-forming quality found in artistic, realistic, and their kin. The compound is post-classical, formed within English to classify philosophies, theologies, or worldviews organised around a pair of opposed or complementary principles.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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