Etymology Map
Back to all words

Dual

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means consisting of two parts

Where does the word "dual" come from? It comes from Latin dualis, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
dualis
Latin · ancient
"containing two"
from 'duo', two
2
Stage 2 of 2
dual
English · 1600s
"twofold"
'dual carriageway' dates from the 1930s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Dual’s story begins in Latin: dualis meant “containing two.” From 'duo', two. It reached English by 1600s as dual. 'dual carriageway' dates from the 1930s. Today, dual means consisting of two parts.