twice

[twahys]

adverb

1. two times, as in succession.

   Write twice a week.

2. on two occasions; in two instances.

   I phoned him twice.

3. in twofold quantity or degree; in double the amount or degree.

   twice as much.

twice

/ twaɪs /

adverb

1. two times; on two occasions or in two cases

   he coughed twice

2. double in degree or quantity

   twice as long

Word History and Origins

Origin of twice¹

before 1150; Middle English twies, equivalent to twie twice ( Old English twige, cognate with Old Frisian twīa, Old Saxon tuuīo; twi- ) + -s -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of twice¹

Old English twiwa ; related to Old Norse tvisvar , Middle Low German twiges

Idioms and Phrases

see cheap at twice the price; lightning never strikes twice; once bitten, twice shy; think twice.

Example Sentences

The team has finished with a winning record just twice since 2010 and last three seasons have been the three worst in franchise history.

From Los Angeles Times

She scored 54 goals, won three French Cups and was twice a runner-up in the Champions League.

From BBC

“He’s also versatile across range-of-motion, tissue and joint, strength, power and movement traits. So much so that with my 14-year-old, twice a week I want Coach Woodhouse to work with him.”

From Los Angeles Times

Officials in Lisbon had initially put the death toll at 17, however that number was later revised down to 16 after they discovered a person who died in hospital overnight had been counted twice.

From BBC

The show’s been in our head for six years; it was always like, Season 2 was once bitten, twice shy, especially if you’re Wednesday Addams — or once bitten, twice stabbed.

From Los Angeles Times