double
B1neutral (used across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
twice as much/many in quantity, size, or value; consisting of two parts
to function in two roles simultaneously; to increase something twofold; a substitute or lookalike; in tennis: when both partners lose a point; a drink containing twice the usual measure of alcohol
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Double" has mathematical, spatial, temporal, and figurative applications. It can indicate duplication, multiplication, ambiguity, or reinforcement. As a verb, it implies both increase and folding. The noun can refer to people, objects, or actions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In sports, UK often uses "double" for specific achievements (e.g., league and cup double), while US emphasizes "double" in baseball statistics. In pubs, UK ordering a "double" (whisky) is common; in US bars, "double" is used but less formulaic. Spelling: UK prefers "doubled" in past tense; both use same spelling.
Connotations
Both share core meanings. In UK, "double" in place names (Doublebois) exists; in US, "double" in brand names (Doublemint) is frequent. "Double-dip" recession is more common in US financial media.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both dialects. Slightly higher in UK due to football (double victories) and drink measures. In US, common in baseball (double hit) and retail (buy one get one free = BOGO, not always "double").
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
double as [noun]double [something]double over [with pain/laughter]double up [as something]double back [on a route]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the double”
- “double or nothing”
- “see double”
- “double-edged sword”
- “double down”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Profits doubled this quarter. We need to double our market share.
Academic
The experiment required a double-blind procedure. The results show a double effect.
Everyday
Could you double the recipe? I'll book a double room.
Technical
The engine has a double overhead cam. Use a double-precision variable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company plans to double its investment in renewable energy.
- He doubled over in pain after being hit.
American English
- She doubled the recipe to feed more guests.
- The actor doubled as the stunt driver in that scene.
adverb
British English
- She earns double what I do.
- The printer can copy documents double-sided.
American English
- This coat is double insulated for winter.
- He saw double after the bump on his head.
adjective
British English
- They ordered a double espresso after lunch.
- The flat has double glazing throughout.
American English
- He scored a double touchdown in the game.
- We need a double check on these figures.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My sister is double my age.
- We need double the sugar for this cake.
- The number of students has doubled in five years.
- I'd like a double room for two nights, please.
- The government has been accused of applying double standards in its foreign policy.
- He leads a double life, working as a banker by day and a musician by night.
- The novel's protagonist serves as a double agent, feeding misinformation to both intelligence agencies.
- The researcher employed a double-blind methodology to eliminate observer bias.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two bubbles (sounds like 'double') stuck together – that's double the bubbles!
Conceptual Metaphor
MORE IS UP (prices doubled), DUPLICATION IS FOLDING (doubled over), DECEPTION IS A DOUBLE (leading a double life)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not always translated as 'двойной' – e.g., 'double agent' = 'двойной агент', but 'double check' = 'перепроверить', not 'двойная проверка'. 'Double' as verb ≠ 'удваивать' in all contexts (can mean 'согнуться'). 'Double room' = 'номер на двоих', not 'двойная комната'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double' with uncountable nouns incorrectly ('double furniture'*) – better: 'twice as much furniture'. Confusing 'double' and 'both' ('We double like it'*). Overusing 'double' for simple pairs ('double doors' is fine, but 'double shoes'* is odd).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'double' used as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it can imply multiplication beyond two in phrases like 'double digits' (10-99) or 'double time' (twice the speed). Its core is 'twofold'.
No. It typically pairs with countable nouns in plural or singular collective sense ('double doors', 'double happiness') and some uncountables in measure phrases ('double cream'). It sounds odd with abstract mass nouns ('double happiness' is idiomatic, but 'double information'* is not).
'Twice' is an adverb meaning 'two times'. 'Double' can be adjective, verb, noun, adverb. Use 'twice' before numbers/amounts ('twice three is six'), 'double' often before nouns ('double portion') or as verb. 'Double' can mean 'fold in two' physically, 'twice' cannot.
Hyphenation often occurs when 'double' acts as a modifier before a noun, especially if the combination is a fixed compound ('double-barrelled', 'double-check') or to avoid ambiguity ('double-park' vs. 'double park'). Modern usage increasingly drops hyphens (e.g., 'double glazing').