ENGLISH
REFERENCE

duality

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //duˈæɫəti// UK //djuːˈælɪti// du·al·i·ty

n. the state of having two different parts or qualities that exist together. It often describes things that have two sides, like light and dark or good and evil.

n. the state of having two distinct, often contrasting or complementary, parts or aspects. In scientific contexts, it refers to the property of a single entity behaving in two different ways depending on the observation.


SIMPLE

The novel explores the duality of human nature.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect's design emphasizes the duality of light and shadow to create a sense of depth.

COMPLEX

In quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality suggests that every particle or quantum entity may be described as either a particle or a wave depending on the experimental apparatus used.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin duālitās. From dual + -ity.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the abstract concept; countable when referring to specific instances or mathematical relationships.

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