Can you really jump twice in the air in real life?

No, a true 'double jump' where you propel yourself upward a second time without pushing off a surface is physically impossible and exists only in fictional or virtual contexts like video games.

Is 'double jump' one word or two?

It is commonly written as two separate words ('double jump') when used as a noun or verb phrase. It is often hyphenated ('double-jump') when used as a compound adjective or verb.

What's the difference between a double jump and a glide?

A double jump provides a second distinct upward propulsion, increasing height/distance. A glide (or floating) slows descent, extending horizontal distance without a second propulsive jump.

Can 'double jump' be used outside of gaming?

It is extremely rare. Occasionally it might be used as a creative metaphor in business or sports commentary to describe gaining a second, rapid advantage, but this is not standard usage.

double jump

low

UK/ˈdʌb.əl dʒʌmp/US/ˈdʌb.əl dʒʌmp/

colloquial, technical (gaming)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A specific type of acrobatic or athletic manoeuvre involving two consecutive jumps, often with a change in direction or height, used primarily in gaming contexts.

In broader contexts, it can refer metaphorically to achieving a second, often unexpected, advantage or making rapid progress in two stages.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Its primary meaning is concrete and technical within specific domains like platform video games, parkour, and gymnastics. Its use outside these domains is largely metaphorical and rare.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Usage is equally specialised in both regions, dictated by the global nature of gaming culture.

Connotations

Primarily connotes skill, agility, and overcoming obstacles, especially in a digital or athletic context.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in general language but common within the specific subculture of platform video games and action sports.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

perform a double jumpexecute a double jumpunlock the double jump ability

medium

use a double jump to reachmaster the double jump

weak

quick double jumpimpossible double jumpair double jump

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The player can double jump.Double-jump over the gap.He performed a perfect double jump.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

two-stage jump

Neutral

mid-air jumpsecondary jumpair dash (context-dependent)

Weak

extra jumpboosted jump

Vocabulary

Antonyms

single jumpgroundedfall

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“It gave him a double jump on the competition. (metaphorical, rare)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Extremely rare. Could be used metaphorically in innovation contexts, e.g., 'The new funding gives us a double jump on R&D.'

Academic

Virtually unused except in studies of game design or motor kinetics.

Everyday

Uncommon outside discussions of video games or specific sports.

Technical

Standard term in video game mechanics (platformers, action games) and in descriptions of advanced parkour or gymnastic techniques.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

You need to double jump just as you reach the ledge.
The character can't double jump until you find the power-up.

American English

Double jump off the wall to get across.
I tried to double-jump but missed the timing.

adverb

British English

(Not standard; no common adverbial use)

American English

(Not standard; no common adverbial use)

adjective

British English

The double-jump mechanic is essential in this game.
He attempted a double-jump manoeuvre.

American English

Master the double-jump ability early on.
The double-jump feature was buggy at launch.

Examples

By CEFR Level

In the game, press 'A' twice to double jump.

My favourite move in the game is the double jump because it lets me reach high places.

To solve the puzzle, you must precisely time a double jump off the moving platform.

The game's physics engine was praised for allowing a fluid double-jump that felt intuitively responsive.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a video game character jumping, then kicking off the air itself to jump AGAIN – a DOUBLE action.

Conceptual Metaphor

ACHIEVEMENT IS VERTICAL MOVEMENT; A SECOND CHANCE IS AN EXTRA LEAP.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid literal translation into a phrase meaning 'double *to jump*' (двойной прыгать). The correct conceptual translation is 'двойной прыжок' (a compound noun). The action is 'совершить двойной прыжок'.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a frequent verb in general language (e.g., 'I double jumped to conclusions').
Confusing it with a 'long jump' or 'high jump', which are single, maximal-effort leaps.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

To reach the secret area, you must off the first crate and then immediately again in mid-air.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'double jump' MOST commonly used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, a true 'double jump' where you propel yourself upward a second time without pushing off a surface is physically impossible and exists only in fictional or virtual contexts like video games.
: It is commonly written as two separate words ('double jump') when used as a noun or verb phrase. It is often hyphenated ('double-jump') when used as a compound adjective or verb.
: A double jump provides a second distinct upward propulsion, increasing height/distance. A glide (or floating) slows descent, extending horizontal distance without a second propulsive jump.
: It is extremely rare. Occasionally it might be used as a creative metaphor in business or sports commentary to describe gaining a second, rapid advantage, but this is not standard usage.