Double
'dʌbəl
Definitions
4 meaningsTo increase something by a factor of two.
'dʌbəl
To make or become twice as much or as many.
He doubled his efforts to finish the project.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making cookies. If a recipe says to double the amount of sugar, it means to use twice as much! If you put twice as many cookies on the table, that's doubling the amount. It's just like having two of something.
👶 For kids: To make something two times bigger or more.
More Examples
The government decided to double the tax on luxury goods.
How It's Used
"The company doubled its profits this year."
"Could you double my order, please?"
Something that is twice the size or amount of something else.
'dʌbəl
An amount or thing that is twice as large as another.
The hotel room has a double bed.
💡 Simply: A double is like having two of something instead of one. Like a double scoop of ice cream, it's a bigger serving.
👶 For kids: Two of something, instead of one.
More Examples
He ordered a double of whiskey.
How It's Used
"She hit a double in the baseball game."
"Can I get a double cheeseburger?"
Composed of two things or parts.
'dʌbəl
Having two parts or being composed of two things.
The door had a double lock for security.
💡 Simply: When something is double, it has two of something! Like a double chocolate cookie - it has double the chocolate!
👶 For kids: Having two of something.
More Examples
She wrapped the gift in double wrapping paper.
How It's Used
"The wall had a double layer of insulation."
"The package has a double clasp to prevent opening."
To fold something in half.
'dʌbəl
To fold (something) in half.
She doubled the sheet of paper before she put it in her pocket.
💡 Simply: Like folding a piece of paper in half, so that you have two layers.
👶 For kids: To fold something in half, like a piece of paper.
More Examples
The origami artist doubled the paper to create the wings of a bird.
How It's Used
"He doubled the paper and put it in his pocket."
Idioms & expressions
double down
To commit more strongly to a course of action, especially when it's risky or losing.
"Even though sales were down, the company decided to double down on its marketing strategy."
double take
A delayed reaction after initially not noticing something unusual or surprising.
"I did a double take when I saw him; I hadn't expected him to be there."
From Old French *doble* (itself from Latin *duplus*, meaning 'twofold').
The word 'double' has been used since the late 13th century and derives from Old French.
Memory tip
Imagine you have one cookie, then you *double* it, now you have two!