two-headed
|two-head-ed|
/ˌtuːˈhɛdɪd/
having two heads
Etymology
'two-headed' originates from Old English, specifically the elements 'twa' and 'heafod', where 'twa' meant 'two' and 'heafod' meant 'head'.
'two-headed' developed as a compound in Middle English from elements meaning 'two' + 'head' (e.g. Middle English formations combining 'two' and 'heved/heafod') and eventually stabilized as the modern English compound 'two-headed'.
Initially, it meant 'having two physical heads', but over time it also acquired figurative senses such as 'having two leaders' or 'being duplicitous'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having two heads (literally), as an animal or mythical creature with two physical heads.
The myth described a monstrous, two-headed beast that guarded the cave.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
having two leaders, authorities, or centers of control; governed or directed by two heads.
After the merger the company became two-headed, with separate CEOs for each division.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 3
figuratively, showing duplicity or two-faced behavior; having contradictory aims or attitudes.
His two-headed approach to negotiations—friendly in public but harsh in private—undermined trust.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/12 19:26