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twain

twain

62 9.9
Two things of the same kind
  • noun
  • /tweɪn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : par
  • Never the twain shall meet.

Examples

  • An apple, cleft in twain is not more twin than these two creatures.

  • The marriage has now been rent in twain.

  • Girls on one side, boys on the other and never the twain shall meet.

  • The two friends, though different, remained as close as twain.

  • In the ancient tale, it was said that twain brothers embarked on an epic journey together.

  • The old proverb teaches that where there are twain, there is strength in unity.

Synonyms

pair
vstwain
889 1.0

Two matching things considered together, like two socks

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
couple
vstwain
308 1.0

Two things of the same kind considered together

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
twosome
vstwain
10 3.2

Two people who do things together, like walking or dancing

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
duo
vstwain
9 2.5

Two people or things that are closely connected and used together

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
brace
vstwain
  • Archaic
4 5.1

Two animals or things that form a pair

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
dyad
vstwain
3 7.9

Two people or things that are close and form one unit

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
couplet
vstwain
1 5.6

Two matching items kept or used together

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage
duad
vstwain
9.9

Two things of the same kind seen as one

is an archaic literary word rather than common modern usage

Antonyms

one
1.0

A single person or thing that is separate from others

1.0

For one person or thing, not shared with others

Surface Forms

twain singular
twains plural

Etymology

Twain comes from an old English word that meant 'two' and is like the familiar words two and twin. So, twain simply means a pair or couple, which is why you now mostly see it in old or literary writing.