What does doubly mean?
"Doubly" is an adverb meaning either "to twice the degree" or "in a twofold manner." It is most often used to intensify an adjective or participle, as in "the result was doubly disappointing" — meaning the disappointment was felt on two counts or with doubled force. A second, related use describes something that operates or applies in two ways at once, as in "a doubly effective solution." The word derives from "double," which traces back through Old French to Latin "duplus" (twofold), the same root behind "dual," "duet," and "duplex." In tone, "doubly" sits between everyday speech and more formal writing; it appears naturally in journalism, essays, and polite conversation. Common collocations include "doubly sure," "doubly important," and "doubly so." It should not be confused with the adjective "double," though the two share ancestry and overlapping sense territory.
adverbIn two ways or to twice the degree; used to emphasize that something applies with doubled force or in a twofold manner.
- To twice the degree; doubly emphasizes that something holds with doubled intensity.
- In a twofold manner; having two aspects or applying in two ways at once.
"The news made her doubly happy: her team had won and her brother had been named MVP."
"After missing the first meeting, he was doubly careful to arrive early for the second."
"The scheme was doubly attractive: it saved money and reduced waste."
"Doubly" doesn't just mean "very" — it means the same thing is true twice over, which is why saying you're "doubly sure" sounds far more emphatic than merely being sure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of doubly
"Doubly" was formed in Middle English from the adjective "double" plus the adverbial suffix "-ly." "Double" itself entered English via Old French from Latin "duplus," meaning "twofold," a compound of "duo" (two) and "-plus" (fold). This Latin root also produced English cognates such as "dual," "duet," "duplex," and "duplicate." The adverb has been in continuous use since the Middle English period to express both intensified degree and twofold manner.
How doubly is actually used
"Doubly" is slightly formal to neutral in register and often appears before adjectives or participles (doubly important, doubly rewarding). It frequently carries an intensifying function similar to "especially" but with the added nuance of twofold force. It is common in both British and American English.
Easily confused with doubly
"Double" is an adjective or noun meaning consisting of two parts, while "doubly" is an adverb meaning to twice the degree or in two ways.