Dual or Duel?

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Dual or Duel?

What is the difference between "dual" and "duel"?
  • "Dual" means duo or double. For example:
    • He has dual standards.
  • "Duel" means a combat arranged by two people or groups. For example:
    • I challenge you to a duel.
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    More about "Dual" and "Duel"

    The words "dual" and "duel" sound quite similar, but their meanings are very different.

    Click on the Two Correct Sentences
    (Interactive Game)

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    Dual

    The adjective "dual" means double or composed of two parts.

    Examples:
    • After I marry, I will retain dual nationality.
    • I live a dual life. On the red carpet, it's complete glam. But at home, I'm a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. (Actress Ashley Greene)

    Duel

    The noun "duel" is a prearranged combat between two people or groups. The word "duel" can also be used as a verb.

    Examples:
    • Her father was injured in a duel.
      • (Here, "duel" is a noun.)
    • They will duel at sundown.
      • (In this example, "duel" is a verb.)
    You will also see "duel" being used figuratively. For example:
    • The study of beauty is a duel in which the artist cries with terror before being defeated. (French poet Charles Baudelaire)
    Interactive Exercise
    Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? Ms., Miss, or Mrs? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? jewelry and jewellery material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose? What are nouns? List of easily confused words