"Double" in English primarily means "twice the amount or size" (adjective/adverb) or "a person/thing that closely resembles another" (noun). It functions as a versatile word with mathematical, linguistic, and cultural applications, from basic arithmetic to film industry terminology.
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Numerical Meaning: As an adjective/adverb, "double" indicates multiplication by two ("double the recipe") or a paired state ("double doors"). In math, it’s foundational for operations like doubling a number (e.g., 5 → 10).
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Identical Counterpart: As a noun, it refers to duplicates, such as a body double in movies or a "double" in sports (e.g., a tennis player competing in singles and doubles matches).
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Common Phrases:
- "Double-check": Verify something twice.
- "Double-edged sword": A situation with mixed outcomes.
- "Double down": intensify commitment (originating from blackjack).
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Grammar Notes:
- Verb form: "to double" means to make/become twice as much ("The company doubled its profits").
- Pronunciation: /ˈdʌb.əl/ (stress on the first syllable).
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Cultural Nuances: In Chinese, "双" (shuāng) mirrors some uses (e.g., 双倍/shūang bèi for "double amount"), but lacks the cinematic "double" nuance.
Whether quantifying, describing clones, or enriching idioms, "double" bridges practical and metaphorical contexts effortlessly. Tip: Context determines its role—math problems favor the numerical sense, while conversations may lean toward idiomatic usage.