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
Thomas MatthewsAnother 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
Naomi RosenblumBy the wave/particle duality of quantum mechanics, light can be regarded as both a wave and a particle.—Stephen Hawking
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
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
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
In Black American culture, the broom represents a duality, warding off spirits but also attracting blessings.
—Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
D’Angelo found power in this duality, smashing the barriers between the spiritual and the secular, as had so many Black music pioneers before him.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025
Directed by Ben Charles Edwards, inspired by Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger, the film explores themes of faith, destiny, and the duality of good and evil.
—The Deadline Team, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
As with Kuminga’s entire career, the good and the negative were equally represented, and perhaps nothing displayed the duality of Jonathan Kuminga quite like a half-minute sequence in the second quarter.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
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Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
D’Angelo found power in this duality, smashing the barriers between the spiritual and the secular, as had so many Black music pioneers before him.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025
Directed by Ben Charles Edwards, inspired by Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger, the film explores themes of faith, destiny, and the duality of good and evil.
—The Deadline Team, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
As with Kuminga’s entire career, the good and the negative were equally represented, and perhaps nothing displayed the duality of Jonathan Kuminga quite like a half-minute sequence in the second quarter.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for duality
Cite this Entry
“Duality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duality. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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