twice

UK: twaɪs | US: twaɪs

Definition

  1. adv. on two occasions or in two instances

  2. adv. doubly; in twofold quantity or degree

Structure
tw <two>ice <adverbial suffix>tw <two>ice <adverbial suffix>
Etymology

twice = tw<two> + ice<adverbial suffix>

  • tw<two>: From Old English twā (two), related to Proto-Germanic twai. Retains the core meaning of "two."
  • ice<adverbial suffix>: A reduced form of the Old English adverbial suffix -es (genitive case), indicating "in the manner of" or "times."

Etymology Origin:
The word twice evolved from Old English twiges (akin to twā + -es), literally meaning "two times." The suffix -ice condensed over time, simplifying pronunciation while preserving the adverbial function. This mirrors similar constructions like once (from one + -es). The logic is straightforward: combining a numeral with a multiplier suffix to denote repetition.

Examples

  1. She checked the locks twice before leaving.

  2. The recipe calls for twice the amount of sugar.

  3. He was twice as fast as his competitor.

  4. I’ve visited Paris twice in my life.

  5. The value of the stock doubled twice in a year.