duality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "duality" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun referring to a situation in which two opposite things exist at the same time. For example, you can use the sentence: "The duality of good and evil is a timeless theme in literature".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miller, like all the others, can easily separate this work from the original, keeping a clear linked duality: they seem in love with Linehan's script, but can't help making reference to the film, which they also loved.

The Guardian

In fact, Rutland is a jerk throughout, but that duality does seem to have echoed Hitch's.

The Guardian - Film

With insight and seemingly effortless fluidity, Mr Galgut has written a beautiful, and at times funny, novel that movingly captures the duality of one of Britain's most thoughtful authors.

The Economist

That was the initial idea, but since then other mathematicians took this up and found similar and surprising patterns in geometry and quantum physics, in particular the electromagnetic duality.

The Economist

Alexander Shumilin of the Institute of USA and Canada, a think-tank, says Russia's duality reveals a lack of a clear strategy, an aversion to complexities and a preference for ad-hoc decisions.Mr Putin's feelings for Israel were enhanced by his passionate interest in the Holy Land.

The Economist

For centuries the two were carved together, signifying the duality of human existence.The jihadists of Islamic State (IS) understand the meaning of symbols better than most.

The Economist

As Willi Jasper, in a fine new book ("Faust und die Deutschen"; Rowohlt), points out, Faust's duality became a symbol of the national propensity to aim for the stars and plunge into the depths.

The Economist

The duality of names reflects an ideological rift regarding whether CFS's causes are physiological or psychological.

The Economist

Reinforcing one and reviving the other require painful reforms.An example of this duality is the fiscal grip of the central government compared with that of the 17 regions.

The Economist

He bemoans the advantage that cheaper fuel gives foreigners, but, with the usual duality of British attitudes to the continent, longs for the civilised rest stops in Belgium.

The Economist

Jean Tirole, a Nobel prize-winning economist at the Toulouse School of Economics, says that "at some point, you have to confront the duality of the labour market and the excessive role of judges in severance procedures".But this may be the best that can be hoped for, given the political constraints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex or abstract concepts, use "duality" to highlight the presence of seemingly contradictory yet interconnected elements, enriching your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "duality" simply to indicate two separate entities. Ensure that the entities you're describing exhibit a relationship of opposition, complementarity, or inherent tension for the term to be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "duality" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a state or quality of being dual or having two parts, often contrasting or complementary. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts, as illustrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duality" is a noun used to describe the existence of two contrasting or complementary aspects. It is grammatically correct and very common in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. When using "duality", ensure you're highlighting the presence of two interconnected elements exhibiting some form of tension or balance, and you'll be on the right track.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dual nature

Emphasizes the two-sided aspect of something's character or inherent qualities.

binary opposition

Highlights the contrasting nature of two concepts or entities, often used in philosophical or analytical contexts.

twofold aspect

Focuses on the existence of something with two distinct parts or characteristics.

paired contrast

Underscores the presence of two elements that are strikingly different from each other.

yin and yang

Introduces a philosophical concept referring to two complementary and opposing forces.

double standard

Suggests a situation where two different principles of behavior are applied unfairly to similar situations.

two sides of the same coin

Implies that two seemingly different things are actually interconnected and inseparable.

complementary opposites

Highlights the way that two opposing forces can, in fact, enhance one another.

antithesis

Focuses on direct opposition or contrast between two things.

ambivalence

Refers to the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "duality" in a sentence?

You can use "duality" to describe situations where two contrasting aspects exist, such as "The "duality of human nature"" or "The work explores the "duality of good and evil"".

What is an example of "duality" in physics?

In physics, a prime example is "wave-particle duality", which demonstrates that light and matter exhibit properties of both waves and particles, depending on the experiment.

Which is the right way to use duality - "the duality between" or "the duality of"?

Both "the duality between" and "the duality of" are acceptable. "The duality between" emphasizes the relationship, while "the duality of" focuses on the inherent nature. For example: "the duality between mind and body" or "the duality of the British attitudes".

What's the difference between "duality" and "duplicity"?

"Duality" refers to two contrasting aspects existing together, while "duplicity" refers to deception or insincerity. While both involve two elements, their meanings are vastly different.