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Word: 'Doppelgänger'
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Pronunciation
do·puhl·gang·uh
Meaning
A doppelgänger refers to a person’s look-alike or double, often thought of as a non-biological twin. In folklore and literature, it can also mean a ghostly or supernatural counterpart of a living person, sometimes a harbinger of bad events.
Origin
The term 'doppelgänger' comes from German folklore. It was first coined by German writer Jean Paul in his 1796 work Siebenkäs to describe a spectral double who forewarns of death. The word combines 'doppel' (double) and 'gänger' (goer or walker), indicating a 'double-walker' or a person’s duplicate.
History and Folklore
Mythological Roots: The idea of doubles appears in various ancient myths, such as the Egyptian 'Ka' (spiritual double) and the Norse 'vardøger' (a ghostly double that precedes someone’s arrival). In some cultures, encountering one’s doppelgänger is seen as an omen, often associated with impending death.
In Literature: The doppelgänger became a prominent theme in horror literature, symbolizing inner conflict, identity crises, and existential struggles. A notable example is Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Double. In modern literature, the concept explores issues of duality and moral dilemmas.
Example from daily usage
"As Shinto walked down the street, he caught sight of his doppelgänger."
Example from Books and Articles
"I almost expected to see my doppelgänger sprinting across town pursued by a mob, but I guess things didn’t work that way."
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs"On Sunday night, he was dancing on the 50-yard line in a sparkly, blood-red suit, surrounded by dozens of doppelganger dancers during 'Blinding Lights,' singing, 'No one's around to judge me.'"
- Seattle Times, February 7, 2020
Synonyms
- Double
- Look-alike
- Twin
- Counterpart
- Replica
- Duplicate
That’s today’s word of the day! Use 'doppelgänger' to add a mysterious twist to your vocabulary, and stay tuned for more fascinating words to enrich your language skills!
Published: 01 Dec 2024, 07:00 am IST
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