Duel vs Dual

Some of the English terms that we had encountered, namely duel and dual, yet few are still being confused on the usage and pronunciation of these words. When you’re inviting someone to compete with you, how are you going to say it? When you’re referring to two things in a horizon, how are you going to describe it?

The word “duel” refers to a declaration of a battle between two opposing persons or group of people with the aim for honor, glory or draw of a competition. This kind of combat is accompanied with the use of weapons, forces or intellectual skills. This term is first used around circa 1645 as a noun and during 15^th century as a verb. It was originated from the Middle English, Medieval Latin and Old Latin “duellum” which means war. Figuratively speaking, it can be used in a sentence as a noun, transitive verb or an intransitive verb.

Conversely, when we hear the word “dual” it implies two parts or having a double use, or denotes something in pairs. The word is first used around 1597 as an adjective and during 1650 as a noun. It is derived from the Latin word “dualis” which means duo or two. It can be used in a sentence as a noun or an adjective.