Meaning & use
dualism
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Meanings
noununcountable
the belief that something consists of two separate and opposing parts, especially mind and body.
Grammar: Uncountable; used with a singular verb: Dualism is a philosophical view.
Patterns
- dualism between something and something
- mind-body dualism
In philosophy of mind, dualism holds that the mind and the body are fundamentally different kinds of things.
Descartes is famous for his version of dualism, which separates the thinking mind from the physical body.
noununcountable
the state of having two distinct parts or aspects.
Grammar: Often used with 'between': the dualism between work and family.
Patterns
- dualism between something and something
The novel explores the dualism between good and evil.
There is a dualism in her personality: she is both shy and bold.
Common combinations
- mind-body dualism
- Mind-body dualism is a central topic in philosophy of mind.
- philosophical dualism
- Philosophical dualism often contrasts with materialism.
- dualism between
- The dualism between theory and practice is hard to overcome.
- religious dualism
- Some religions teach a dualism of good and evil forces.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bipartism
- Rare and technical; dualism is the common term in philosophy and general use.
- dichotomy
- A dichotomy is a sharp division between two things; dualism often implies a philosophical belief about two fundamental substances.
Opposites
Word family
- dual adjective
- Having two parts or aspects.
- dualist noun
- A person who believes in dualism.
- dualistic adjective
- Relating to dualism.
Commonly confused: dualism or duality?
dualism vs duality
Duality means 'the state of having two parts', while dualism is the belief or theory that something consists of two fundamental parts.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'dualism' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Dualism is a noun meaning a belief in two fundamental parts, so 'mind-body dualism' is correct. Option A uses it to mean 'two roads', which is not its meaning; option B uses it as an adjective; option D invents a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dualism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.