double-meaning

A comedian tells a joke with a double-meaning.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A word or phrase with two interpretations: "double-meaning" refers to an expression that can be understood in two distinct ways, often with one literal meaning and one figurative or suggestive meaning.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His joke had a double-meaning that made some people uncomfortable. (The joke could be interpreted both innocently and offensively.)
  • The poet often used double-meaning to add depth to her verses. (She employed words that could be read in two different ways.)

Advanced Usage

• "to carry a double-meaning": to possess or imply two interpretations.

  • The advertisement's slogan carried a double-meaning, appealing to both adults and children. (The slogan had two layers of interpretation.)

• "to be a double-meaning": to function as an expression with dual senses.

  • The phrase "I'll see you later" can be a double-meaning, either a casual farewell or a threat. (The phrase can be understood in two contrasting ways.)

Variants and Related Words

• Double-entendre (n): a specific type of double-meaning that is often risqué or humorous.

  • The comedian's double-entendre made the audience laugh. (A witty remark with a suggestive second meaning.)

• Ambiguity (n): the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; closely related to double-meaning.

  • The ambiguity of his statement led to confusion. (His words were unclear because they had multiple possible meanings.)

Synonyms

• Ambiguous phrase: a statement that can be understood in different ways.
• Equivocation: the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth.

Related Idioms

• "To speak with forked tongue": to say something that can be interpreted in two ways, often deceitfully.

  • Politicians often speak with forked tongue, using double-meaning to avoid direct answers. (They use ambiguous language to mislead.)

• "A double-edged sword": something that has both positive and negative interpretations or effects.

  • His compliment was a double-edged sword, with a double-meaning that hurt her feelings. (The praise had a hidden insult.)

Note on Usage

• The term "double-meaning" is typically hyphenated when used as a compound noun or adjective (e.g., "a double-meaning remark"). In casual writing, it may appear as two separate words ("double meaning"), but the hyphenated form is standard in dictionaries and formal contexts.