noun

diptych

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Diptych (noun) means a picture or artwork made up of two panels, usually joined by hinges. Example: “The altarpiece is a diptych showing the saint on one panel and the donor on the other.”

noun

A picture or artwork made up of two panels, usually joined by hinges.

"The altarpiece is a diptych showing the saint on one panel and the donor on the other."

"The gallery hung the diptych so both panels could be viewed together."

"She painted a diptych of the harbour at dawn and at dusk."

A literary work made up of two contrasting parts that treat the same subject.

"The novel is a diptych, telling the same events from two different narrators."

"Critics read the two stories as a diptych rather than as separate works."

"The playwright built the piece as a diptych, pairing two opposing viewpoints."

How to use diptych

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA piece made of two matching or contrasting halves, usually in art or writing.

When to use it

Diptych is mainly used in art and literary criticism rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember di- means two, so a diptych always has exactly two parts, unlike a triptych's three.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

triptych →

Common pairings

a diptych painting hinged diptych literary diptych two-panel diptych

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The altarpiece is a _____ showing the saint on one panel and the donor on the other.

Etymology

The word comes from Late Latin diptycha, itself from Ancient Greek diptukhos, meaning folded or doubled. That Greek word combines di-, meaning two, with a root meaning fold or layer.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Frequently asked questions

What does diptych mean?

It is a work made of two joined or paired parts, most often two panels of a painting.

What is the difference between a diptych and a triptych?

A diptych has two panels while a triptych has three.

Can diptych describe writing as well as art?

Yes, it can also describe a literary work told in two contrasting parts.

What is the meaning of diptych?

"diptych" (noun) means a picture or artwork made up of two panels, usually joined by hinges.