Twin

Definition

Twin is a noun referring to one of two offspring produced in the same pregnancy. It can also describe a person or thing that closely resembles another. As an adjective, it means consisting of two parts or paired. As a verb, it means to pair or closely associate two things.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /twɪn/
• Respelling: TWIN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /twɪn/
• Respelling: TWIN

Etymology

The word "twin" originates from Old English "twin," meaning "twofold" or "double," derived from Proto-Germanic "*twiznaz," meaning "twofold" or "double," and Proto-Indo-European "*dwis-," meaning "twice."

Derivatives

• Twinning (noun/verb)
• Twinship (noun)
• Twinned (verb, past tense)
• Untwinned (adjective)
• Twinlike (adjective)

Synonyms

• Pair
• Duplicate
• Counterpart

Antonyms

• Single
• Unique
• None

Usage

The noun "twin" is commonly used in reference to siblings born at the same time, as in "She has an identical twin sister." As a verb, it is used for pairing or matching, such as "The cities were twinned to promote cultural exchange."

Related Terms

• Identical twin: One of two siblings with identical genetic makeup.
• Fraternal twin: One of two siblings born at the same time but with different genetic makeup.
• Double: Something that is paired or resembles another.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• One of two offspring born in the same pregnancy: Refers to siblings born simultaneously.
  • Example: "The twins share a close bond."
• A person or thing closely resembling another: Refers to items or beings that are almost identical.
  • Example: "The two paintings are twins in style and color."

Adjective

• Consisting of two parts or paired: Refers to something that exists in pairs.
  • Example: "The hotel has twin beds in each room."

Verb

• To pair or closely associate two things: Refers to linking or matching items.
  • Example: "The city is twinned with a town in Japan."