What is twin? Pronunciation and usage in English

twin means . Learn how to pronounce and use twin through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of twin

twinnoun

/twɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of twin

The word "twin" is pronounced twin (rhymes with "win").

It's a simple, closed syllable. No tricky sounds!

You can hear it clearly here: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pronunciation/english/twin

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Usage and examples with the word twin in English

Let's break down how to use the word "twin" in English. It has several different meanings and ways it's used! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Biological Twins (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: This is the primary meaning – referring to two babies born at the same time, or very close together in time.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a twin brother named David."
    • "Identical twins are remarkably alike."
    • "The doctor confirmed she was expecting twins."
    • "My twins love to play together."

2. Synonyms for Biological Twins:

  • Identical twins: These twins have the same DNA and look almost exactly alike.
  • Dizygotic twins (Fraternal twins): These twins develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two separate sperm. They share about 50% of their DNA and can look different.
  • Look-alikes: Used informally to describe twins who resemble each other.

3. "Twin" as an Adjective (Describing Similarities)

  • Definition: When used as an adjective, "twin" describes something that has a close similarity to something else. It suggests a mirroring or duplication.
  • Examples:
    • "The twin peaks of the mountains were beautiful." (Referring to two similar peaks.)
    • "The twin cities of London and New York are major financial centers." (Highlighting their similar importance.)
    • "The twin rivers flowed into the sea." (Two rivers with similar characteristics.)
    • “The twin engines gave the plane extra power.” (Two engines that work similarly)

4. "Twin" as a Verb (Less Common – Often Figurative)

  • Definition: This is a less common usage, and often used figuratively to mean to be associated or linked closely. It’s often poetic or evocative.
  • Examples:
    • "The two families seemed to twin in their traditions." (Meaning they shared similar customs.)
    • "Their fates were twin threads woven together." (Figurative – suggesting they were destined to be connected.)
    • "The themes of the two books twin remarkably." (Meaning the books had similar themes.)

5. "Twin" in Idioms and Phrases:

  • Twin benefits/drawbacks: Meaning two things that come together – one positive, one negative. (e.g., "Buying a house has twin benefits: it builds equity and provides stability.")
  • Twin peaks: A reference to the iconic mountain peaks in Washington State (as mentioned above).
  • Twin Cities: Refers to the city of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Usage Meaning Example
Biological Twins Two babies born simultaneously "They have a twin daughter."
Identical Twins Twins with nearly identical DNA “The identical twins are identical.”
Twin (adj.) Similar to something else "The twin landscapes were stunning."
Twin (verb) To be closely associated "Their lives seemed to twin."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to use the word "twin" in? (e.g., are you writing a story, describing twins you know, or using it in a general conversation?)

Synonyms for the word twin

Practice with vocabulary twin

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect designed a striking pair of ____ towers for the city's skyline, creating a distinctive landmark.
  2. Despite their superficial ____, the two proposals had fundamental differences in their core objectives.
  3. The research team comprised a dynamic ____ of scientists, each bringing unique expertise to the project.
  4. The economic downturn and rising unemployment are often referred to as the ____ challenges facing the government.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Sarah and Emily, born just minutes apart, are often mistaken for each other; they are ____ sisters. a) identical b) twin c) close d) same e) inseparable

  2. The city council proposed a new initiative to ____ our capital with a similarly-sized city in Europe to foster cultural exchange. a) partner b) link c) align d) twin e) connect

  3. When packing for the trip, make sure you bring a ____ of comfortable walking shoes. a) pair b) duo c) couple d) set e) brace

  4. Although they look ____, their personalities couldn't be more different. a) alike b) similar c) identical d) corresponding e) matching

  5. The company aims to develop a ____ product line that complements its existing offerings perfectly, creating a cohesive brand image. a) parallel b) duplicate c) twin d) matching e) complementary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The two problems, rising inflation and stagnant wages, are closely connected and often occur together. Rewrite using "twin" or related word forms:

  2. Original: She gave birth to two baby girls at the same time. Rewrite using "twin" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The two buildings looked exactly alike, almost as if they were reflections of each other. Rewrite WITHOUT using "twin" or related word forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect designed a striking pair of twin towers for the city's skyline, creating a distinctive landmark.
  2. Despite their superficial resemblance, the two proposals had fundamental differences in their core objectives.
  3. The research team comprised a dynamic duo of scientists, each bringing unique expertise to the project.
  4. The economic downturn and rising unemployment are often referred to as the twin challenges facing the government.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) identical, b) twin
  2. a) partner, b) link, d) twin, e) connect
  3. a) pair
  4. a) alike, b) similar, c) identical, e) matching
  5. a) parallel, c) twin, d) matching, e) complementary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite using "twin" or related word forms: Rising inflation and stagnant wages are often referred to as the government's twin challenges.
  2. Rewrite using "twin" or related word forms: She gave birth to twin daughters.
  3. Rewrite WITHOUT using "twin" or related word forms: The two buildings were identical, almost as if they were reflections of each other.

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