dual
Dual (adj) means Made up of two parts, or relating to two of something. Example: “The device has dual controls so two people can operate it at once.”
How to use dual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInvolving or made of two matching parts.
Don't confuse with "duel" (a fight between two people) — they sound identical but are spelled and mean differently.
Word forms
dualed past tense, dualled past tense, duals plural, duals singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The device has _____ controls so two people can operate it at once.
Etymology
From Latin dualis, from duo ("two").
Related words
Rhymes for dual
See all rhymes for dual →Frequently asked questions
What does “dual” mean?
The word “dual” means made up of two parts, or relating to two of something. In plain terms, involving or made of two matching parts.
How do you pronounce “dual”?
“Dual” is pronounced JOO-uhl (/ˈdul/ in IPA).
How do you use “dual” in a sentence?
Here is “dual” used in a sentence: “The device has dual controls so two people can operate it at once.”
What is another word for “dual”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dual” include binary, double, twin and twofold.
What part of speech is “dual”?
Depending on how it is used, “dual” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “dual” come from?
The word “dual” comes from Latin. From Latin dualis, from duo ("two").
Is “dual” a common word?
“Dual” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dual” have?
“Dual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made up of two parts, or relating to two of something.
What is the difference between "dual" and "duel"?
"Dual" is an adjective meaning having two parts or a double nature, as in "dual citizenship." "Duel" is a noun or verb meaning a formal fight or contest between two people; the two words sound alike but are unrelated in meaning.
What is the difference between "dual" and "double"?
"Dual" describes something that has two distinct parts or serves two roles, such as "dual controls." "Double" usually means twice as much of one thing or a doubled quantity, so a dual purpose means two purposes while a double portion means twice the amount.
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