Meaning & use
double
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Twice as much or as many; having two identical or corresponding parts.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a double portion. Not usually after a verb.
Patterns
- double the amount/number
- a double portion
She asked for a double portion of rice.
The company reported double the profits of last year.
He wore a double-breasted suit.
verbtransitive or intransitive
To make or become twice as great in size, number, or amount.
Grammar: Can take an object (double the recipe) or not (sales doubled).
Patterns
- double something
- double in size/number
We need to double the recipe for the party.
The population has doubled in twenty years.
He doubled his salary by changing jobs.
nouncountable
A person who looks very much like another, or a stand-in for an actor.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or 'the': a double, the double.
Patterns
- a double for someone
- someone's double
She found her double in the crowd.
The actor used a double for the dangerous scene.
He is a double for the famous singer.
adjectivebefore a noun
Having two uses or two roles.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a double purpose. Common in phrases like 'double duty.'
Patterns
- double duty
- double purpose
This sofa does double duty as a bed.
The room serves a double purpose: office and guest room.
Word forms
| third person singular | doubles |
|---|---|
| past tense | doubled |
| past participle | doubled |
| -ing form | doubling |
| plural | doubles |
Common combinations
- double the amount
- The new machine can double the amount of work we do.
- double in size
- The company doubled in size in just three years.
- double check
- Please double check your answers before submitting.
- double room
- We booked a double room with a sea view.
Synonyms and how they differ
- twice
- Used as an adverb: 'twice as much.' 'Double' is an adjective or verb.
- dual
- More formal; means having two parts or aspects (dual purpose), while 'double' often implies twice the amount.
- duplicate
- Means an exact copy, not twice the amount.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: double or doubt?
double vs doubt
A different word meaning a feeling of uncertainty; pronounced /daʊt/.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
We say 'double that of' or 'double the price of.' 'Double than' and 'double as' are not used in this pattern; 'double more than' is redundant.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “double”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.