Phrase guide

in twain

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

In two, in halves, into two parts, asunder

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic

Examples

  • When the masked stranger hew with his axe, the baker's head did split in twain and his body fell like a lump to the ground in turn.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English in tweyn, in twen, in tweyne (also as on tweyne). Compare Old English on twēġen (“in two”).

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: надве́ (nadvé) — in halves
  • Bulgarian: наполови́н (napolovín) — in halves
  • Bulgarian: наполови́на (napolovína) — in halves
  • Dutch: in tweeën — in halves
  • Finnish: kahtia — in halves
  • German: entzwei — in halves
  • Greek: στα δύο (sta dýo) — in halves
  • Ancient Greek: δίχα (díkha) — in halves
  • Russian: попола́м (popolám) — in halves
  • Russian: напопола́м (napopolám) — in halves
  • Russian: на полови́ны (na polovíny) — in halves
  • Swedish: itu — in halves