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Synonyms

duality

American  
[doo-al-i-tee, dyoo-] / duˈæl ɪ ti, dyu- /

noun

  1. a dual state or quality.

  2. Mathematics. a symmetry within a mathematical system such that a theorem remains valid if certain objects, relations, or operations are interchanged, as the interchange of points and lines in a plane in projective geometry.


duality British  
/ djuːˈælɪtɪ /

noun

  1. the state or quality of being two or in two parts; dichotomy

  2. physics the principle that a wave-particle duality exists in microphysics in which wave theory and corpuscular theory are complementary. The propagation of electromagnetic radiation is analysed using wave theory but its interaction with matter is described in terms of photons. The condition of particles such as electrons, neutrons, and atoms is described in terms of de Broglie waves

  3. geometry the interchangeability of the roles of the point and the plane in statements and theorems in projective geometry

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonduality noun

Etymology

Origin of duality

1350–1400; Middle English dualitie < Late Latin duālitās. See dual, -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

California’s 41st governor, a possible suitor for the White House, opens up about the duality of his upbringing in his new book.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'm a person of cultural duality," he told Associated Press.

From BBC

It addresses issues of duality and the uncertainty of her standing in society as both a woman and an immigrant.

From Los Angeles Times

That Seu marries the feminine and the spartan in her space feels intentional — a reflection of the dualities that animate her life and work.

From Los Angeles Times

Li describes the finding as part of what he calls a "new duality."

From Science Daily