dualism
noun
du·al·ism
ˈdü-ə-ˌli-zəm 
also ˈdyü-
1
: a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes
2
: the quality or state of being dual or of having a dual nature
3
a
: a doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil
b
: a view of human beings as constituted of two irreducible elements (such as matter and spirit)
Examples of dualism in a Sentence
the dualism of human nature
the dualism of good and evil
Recent Examples on the Web
Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, one of the fathers of the New Thought movement, carried Cartesian dualism to its extreme: mind over matter, always.
—
Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Furthermore, there is often an undercurrent of mysticism surrounding the egg, with birth and death at the center—a dualism as true as it is sometimes disturbing.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
As researchers, aided by new technology permitting brain scans of healthy subjects, began to locate other functions, such as language and sensory perception, in distinct parts of the brain, a dualism took hold in the popular imagination.
—Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025
The concept of dualism is to inform not just clothing but the whole show concept, down to the use of lighting, in sync with the play on opposites, mix of high and low, juxtaposition of clashing attitudes and the Dadaist approach ingrained in the house’s practice by its founder.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dualism
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Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Furthermore, there is often an undercurrent of mysticism surrounding the egg, with birth and death at the center—a dualism as true as it is sometimes disturbing.
—Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
As researchers, aided by new technology permitting brain scans of healthy subjects, began to locate other functions, such as language and sensory perception, in distinct parts of the brain, a dualism took hold in the popular imagination.
—Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025
The concept of dualism is to inform not just clothing but the whole show concept, down to the use of lighting, in sync with the play on opposites, mix of high and low, juxtaposition of clashing attitudes and the Dadaist approach ingrained in the house’s practice by its founder.
—Martino Carrera, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dualism
Cite this Entry
“Dualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dualism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dualism
noun
du·al·ism
ˈd(y)ü-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
: a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes (as mind and matter)
2
: a theory in hematology holding that the blood cells arise from two kinds of stem cells one of which yields lymphatic elements and the other myeloid elements
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