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

Goldfield is instantly likable as Mort’s better half, urging massive guffaws in some of Kahng’s best characterizations: Cone’s subplot regarding a squirrel builds a duality of both charm and melancholia, Cone’s Vicki finding the humor inside the aging process which faces us all. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2025

State of clay: Start with a slab of clay and be humbled by the duality of its malleability and firmness. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025

And while this production is an incredible blast, teetering on farce, Ostermeier and co-adaptor Duncan Macmillan (People, Places & Things) actually ramp up the duality. —Demetrios Matheou, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025

What interested you about that duality of Renate’s character who is a mother and a parent at the school like everyone else but also very famous? —Abigail Lee, Variety, 15 Feb. 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