duality

noun

du·​al·​i·​ty dü-ˈa-lə-tē 

 also  dyü-

plural dualities

: the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements : dualism

That duality—sophistication paired with authenticity on the wine list, simplicity spiced with creativity on the menu—gives Marea energy and distinctive character.

—Thomas Matthews

Another series from later years consisted of views of New York skyscrapers … which incorporate abstract patterns of light and shadow that express the duality of feeling, the fascination and loathing he had come to feel for the city.

—Naomi Rosenblum

By the wave/particle duality of quantum mechanics, light can be regarded as both a wave and a particle.

—Stephen Hawking

also : a difference between two opposite things : a division into two opposite groups : dichotomy

For the most part Prince seems to be hoisting himself on the horns of the same duality that inspires most of his song lyrics: spirituality vs. carnality.

—David Hiltbrand

As my meditation teacher says, "Judgment is a form of violence to yourself as well as others. It creates duality and separates you from others."

—Yoga Journal

Examples of duality in a Sentence

the duality of human nature

They discussed the dualities of the novel's characters.

Recent Examples on the Web

The artist’s approach to the duality in Till’s image is to reproduce himself with an original and a mirror image side by side. —Yinka Elujoba, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025

For Every Occasion By Audrey Noble Lucas Hedges Photo: Quinn Wharton That unlikely duality—mythic imagery alongside resolutely human emotions—is a hallmark of Rowlson-Hall’s body of work. —Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

Clothing that embodies duality: soft ruffles alongside sharp lines, flowing silhouettes punctuated by bold accents, classic stripes reimagined through a romantic lens. —Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

And the pas de deux turns out to be the central metaphor of a series built on dualities, power struggles, romances, the attraction of opposites, the narcissism of small differences that divide counterparts on either side of an ocean. —Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1532, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for duality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality
• lethality