duel

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈdjuː.əl/ (British English)

/ˈduː.əl/ (American English)

Definitions

• A formal fight between two people, usually with weapons, to settle a dispute (Noun).
• To engage in a formal fight or competition against another person (Verb).

Usage Examples

• The two rivals fought a duel at dawn.
• They dueled fiercely for the championship title.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word duellum, meaning "war" or "combat," which later evolved into duellum in medieval Latin, meaning a formal combat between two people.

Synonyms

• Combat
• Fight
• Showdown
• Contest

Antonyms

• Truce
• Peace
• Agreement

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈdjuː.əl/
• American English: /ˈduː.əl/

Historical Usage

Duels were common in Europe during the 17th to 19th centuries, often fought to defend one's honor. The practice gradually declined with the establishment of formal legal systems.

Cultural Nuances

Duels were seen as a matter of honor, especially among the aristocracy. Today, the term is often used metaphorically to describe competitive situations.

More Information

Duels were traditionally fought with swords or pistols under strict rules, with a second present to oversee the fight. Famous historical duels include the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804.