two-time
|two-time|
/ˈtuːtaɪm/
do twice; act duplicitously
Etymology
'two-time' originates from English, specifically the words 'two' + 'time' (Old English 'twā' and 'tīma'), combined to mean 'two times' or 'on two occasions.'
'two-time' developed as a compound in modern English to express the idea 'occurring twice'; the verb sense 'to two-time (someone)' (meaning to be unfaithful) is attested from early 20th century American English slang and derived from the idea of seeing two people (two 'times') or acting in a double way.
Initially it meant simply 'twice' or 'on two occasions'; over time it also acquired the informal verb sense 'to be unfaithful' and the attributive adjective sense 'having done something twice' (e.g., 'two-time champion').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
informal: an act of two-timing or a person who two-times (though 'two-timer' is more common for the person).
His two-time cost him the relationship.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to be romantically or sexually unfaithful to someone; to have a relationship with someone else while in a committed relationship.
He two-timed his partner for years before she found out.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/05 00:29