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)

dualist

ˈdü-ə-list 

ˈdyü-

noun

dualistic

ˌdü-ə-ˈli-stik 

ˌdyü-

adjective

dualistically

ˌdü-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌdyü-

adverb

Examples of dualism in a Sentence

the dualism of human nature

the dualism of good and evil

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The one-of-a-kind cognac is a testament to the House of Delamain's adherence to dualism with an equal passion for cognac and the natural terroir. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Because of this premise, IIT does not fall neatly into any of the traditional philosophical theories of mind, such as materialism, dualism, idealism, or panpsychism. —Lindsey Laughlin, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024

This major step towards potential religious dualism was stymied by British and National Congress opposition. —Nahal Sheikh, JSTOR Daily, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical 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

dualist

-ə-ləst 

noun

dualistic

ˌd(y)ü-ə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective