dualism

noun

du·​al·​ism ˈdü-ə-ˌli-zəm 

 also  ˈdyü-

1

: a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes

2

: the quality or state of being dual or of having a dual nature

3

a

: a doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil

b

: a view of human beings as constituted of two irreducible elements (such as matter and spirit)

dualist

ˈdü-ə-list 

ˈdyü-

noun

dualistic

ˌdü-ə-ˈli-stik 

ˌdyü-

adjective

dualistically

ˌdü-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌdyü-

adverb

Examples of dualism in a Sentence

the dualism of human nature

the dualism of good and evil

Recent Examples on the Web

Her magically vibrant and simultaneously mournful and vulnerable painting expresses the dualism at the heart of her vision — and perhaps at the heart of existence itself. —Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024

When personal and professional growth is viewed with this lens, our endeavors cease to be measured by the restrictive system of dualism—failure or success. —Neshica Bheem, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

Offsetting nearly a century of cultural dualism is not going to happen in one generation. —David L. Bahnsen, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024

Death stalks Enzo and this movie, which energetically gathers momentum even as Mann busily juggles the story’s numerous parts and warring dualisms. —Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2023

We are misled by an implicit mind-brain dualism that leads us astray. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 16 Sep. 2014

In a narrative with autobiographical undertones, Galimberti stages light and darkness in a dualism that addresses the contrast between opposites and the complexity of human experiences. —Photovogue, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2023

The selfie is an attempt to reconcile this dualism. —Meghan O'Gieblyn, WIRED, 16 Aug. 2023

Simplifying the number of parties and to see and to present the issue as dual, as a radical dualism, between one group and the other one. —Foreign Affairs, 2 Nov. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

dualism

noun

du·​al·​ism ˈd(y)ü-ə-ˌliz-əm 

1

: a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes (as mind and matter)

2

: a theory in hematology holding that the blood cells arise from two kinds of stem cells one of which yields lymphatic elements and the other myeloid elements

dualist

-ə-ləst 

noun

dualistic

ˌd(y)ü-ə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective