double

Everyday

1. To double is to make or become two times as many or as much. tree →
2. Double as an adjective means two of the same, or twice the size: «a double bed», «double letters». tree →
3. A double is a person who looks just like someone else. tree →
4. In games, a double is two dice showing the same number. tree →
5. To be bent double means to be bent over tightly, folded in half at the middle. tree →

In the lessons

to make a count two times as big; doubles facts (6 + 6 = 12) help with adding; in spelling, double letters like «ll» in «ball»; phrases: «double up», «double-check», «double-decker»

Examples

• Lily doubles her shells. tree →
• Tom had 6 cards, and then his cards doubled. tree →
• A double scoop has 2 scoops. tree →
• Double 8 is 16. tree →
• The number of rabbits doubled in a year. tree →
• «Apple» has a double p. tree →
• Please double-check your answers. tree →
• We rode on top of a double-decker bus in London. tree →
• She was very old and almost bent double. tree →

Note

«A doubles her N» means she now has N × 2, so N more. Trap: «doubles» is × 2, not + 2. Doubling twice is × 4.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it can mean twice as much, as in paying double for theft, or two layers of cloth. In Sefer Yetzirah the double letters are seven letters with two sounds. In the Psalms "a double heart" or "double mind" means being false or divided in loyalty.

Interpretation. Sefer Yetzirah ties the seven double letters to seven opposites, such as wisdom and folly, and to the seven planets and days. The Psalms are read as praising a whole and honest heart and as warning against flattery.

Examples

• Four-square it shall be and double: a span shall be the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof. (Torah EXO.28.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall pay double. (Torah EXO.22.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• that they might be double beneath, and in like manner they should be complete unto the top thereof unto the first ring. (Torah EXO.36.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who shall come within his double bridle? (Writings JOB.41.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• I hate them that are of a double mind; but Thy law do I love. (Writings PSA.119.113, JPS 1917) tree →
• They speak falsehood every one with his neighbour; with flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak. (Writings PSA.12.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«A doubles her N» means she now has N × 2, so N more. Trap: «doubles» is × 2, not + 2. Doubling twice is × 4.