twice
- 1On two occasions, or a number of times equal to two.
The committee met twice last month to review the budget.
He checked the figures twice to be sure they added up.
UsageUsually after the verb or its object: met twice; for how often, twice a day or twice a week.
- 2Two times as much or as great in quantity, intensity, or degree.
The renovated hall can hold twice as many guests as before.
After the promotion, she earned twice what she made the previous year.
UsageTwice as big as, or twice the size of; before a noun phrase, twice comes first: twice what she earned.
Similardouble
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Origin
From earlier twise, from Middle English twies, from Old English twīġes ("twice"), formed from twīwa/twīġa ("twice") plus -es, an adverbial genitive ending. It is equivalent to twi- ("in two; both") plus -ce, and is related to forms like Middle Low German twies and Middle High German zwies.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts
- Twice derives from earlier twise, Middle English twies, and Old English twīġes, meaning “twice.” en.wiktionary.org
- Old English twīġes was formed from twīwa/twīġa, meaning “twice,” plus the adverbial genitive ending -es. en.wiktionary.org
- Twice is equivalent to twi-, meaning “in two; both,” plus -ce. en.wiktionary.org
- Twice is related to Middle Low German twies and Middle High German zwies. en.wiktionary.org