Double Take

Pronunciation: /ˈdʌbəl teɪk/

Definitions of double take

noun a delayed reaction to a surprising or remarkable situation, in which one looks again in order to understand what one has seen

Example Sentences

A1 I did a double take when I saw my friend wearing a funny hat.

A2 The unexpected sight made me do a double take.

B1 She had to do a double take when she realized she had won the lottery.

B2 The incredible view of the mountains made me do a double take.

C1 The intricate details of the painting caused me to do a double take.

C2 The plot twist in the movie made everyone in the theater do a double take.

verb to look twice at something in surprise or disbelief

Example Sentences

A1 I double take when I saw my friend wearing a funny hat.

A2 She double takes every time she sees a spider in the house.

B1 The unexpected news made me double take and question if it was true.

B2 He double took at the sight of the rare bird perched on the tree.

C1 The intricate details of the painting made art enthusiasts double take in awe.

C2 The magician's trick was so convincing that even the skeptics had to double take.

Examples of double take in a Sentence

formal She did a double take when she saw the price of the designer handbag.

informal I had to do a double take when I saw his new haircut.

slang I did a double take when I saw her outfit, it was fire!

figurative The plot twist in the movie made me do a double take.

Grammatical Forms of double take

• past tense: double took
• plural: double takes
• comparative: more double take
• superlative: most double take
• present tense: double take
• future tense: will double take
• perfect tense: have double taken
• continuous tense: is double taking
• singular: double take
• positive degree: double take
• infinitive: to double take
• gerund: double taking
• participle: double taken

Origin and Evolution of double take

First Known Use: 1941 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'double take' originated from the world of theater and acting, specifically in comedic performances where a character would react in a exaggerated manner to something surprising or unexpected.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'double take' has expanded beyond its theatrical origins and is now commonly used in everyday language to describe a moment of disbelief or confusion followed by a second, more intense reaction upon realizing the truth.