Double articulation refers to the two levels of language: morphemes and phonemes. Morphemes are meaningful units of sound, while phonemes are sounds with no inherent meaning. This concept can also be applied to other semiotic codes, such as visual arts and computer programming. The productivity of these two levels allows for an infinite number of […]
The double bottom line measures a company’s financial profit and positive social impact. It’s important for socially responsible companies and can lead to benefits such as increased customer recommendations and good public relations. It also helps establish a corporate culture that reinforces social impact. A double bottom line is a type of measurement that looks […]
Double negatives intensify negativity in informal speech but are unacceptable in formal speech as they cancel each other out. Triple negatives are used for greater negation. Litotes use double negatives to understate an affirmative. Words with negative prefixes neutralize the negative and create a positive. A double negative is the use of two negatives in […]
Double cycle billing is a method used by some credit card companies to calculate interest by considering the current balance and the average daily balance from the previous billing period, potentially resulting in higher interest charges. Consumers can avoid this by not using credit cards with this billing strategy, paying balances in full each billing […]
Single and double quotes are used for enclosing text, but their usage varies between American and British English. They can also be used to offset a single word or phrase, with different standards for punctuation placement. Single and double quotes are two different forms of a common typographical mark, and knowing when to use them […]
Double uterus, or didelphic uterus, is a rare condition where a woman has two uteri. Symptoms include infertility, pain during intercourse, and abnormal menstrual bleeding. Treatment options include reconstructive surgery and elective C-sections during pregnancy. Diagnosis is made through imaging studies. A double uterus, also known as a didelphic uterus, is a rare condition in […]
Double vision, or diplopia, can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as weak eye muscles, nerve damage, or brain problems. Treatment may include medication or surgery, and routine eye exams can detect potential problems. Brain injuries and diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis can also cause double vision. Double vision, known to […]
Double counting is an accounting error that occurs when information is recorded twice in the general ledger, leading to problems with inventory, invoices, and values. It can result in increased or decreased values and transferred values, but is usually easy to correct. Companies can guard against double counting in sales through internal controls and audits. […]
“Double whammy” is an idiom that describes a situation where two bad things happen to someone in close succession. It originated from the slang word “whammy,” meaning a curse or hex. The phrase can be used for comedic effect, but also in serious situations where trouble seems to pile up. “Double whammy” is an English […]
“Double take” is an English idiom used to describe a surprised reaction to something unexpected, often with a short delay. It can also refer to an exaggerated reaction in acting, with origins in film slang. Idioms are common in English and acquire new meanings through common usage. The phrase can also refer to a delayed […]
Double talk is when two different conversations or ideas occur simultaneously, which can happen in speech, social and political situations, and literature. It can be used to appease conflicting groups or provide deeper meaning in written works. Double talk basically refers to two different forms of communication or utterances occurring at the same time. This […]
Double-entry bookkeeping balances all general ledger debits with credits for accurate financial statements. Invented by Luca Pacioli, it is the basis of the accounting equation and helps catch errors. However, it may not accurately represent cash flow and requires a statement of cash flows for a clearer picture. Double-entry bookkeeping is an accounting system that […]
Double pneumonia is a condition where both lungs become infected and fill with fluid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Treatment depends on the cause, and while it can be fatal, most patients do not require hospitalization. It is a leading cause […]
A double hyphen is a rarely used punctuation mark that looks like a standard hyphen but uses two parallel dashes. It is not to be confused with a dash. It is typically used to make a word or logo appear more unique. It may also be used to indicate that a hyphen that would normally […]
Stunt doubles perform dangerous or challenging physical sequences for actors in movies or TV shows. They need to resemble the actor they’re doubling for and are selected by a stunt coordinator. Proper training is required, and some start their careers as children. A stunt double is a person who performs physical sequences for television or […]
Double-crossing is when one partner breaks a previously agreed-upon agreement, often associated with betrayal and backstabbing. The origin of the phrase may come from fixed horse races in the 1800s or the practices of thieves in 19th-century England. It is not associated with the Double Cross System used by British intelligence in WWII. When someone […]
