Zdvoilost

Zdvoilost is a term used in Czech-language scholarly writing to denote twofoldness or duplicity—the quality of having two interrelated aspects, layers, or meanings. The word is formed from the prefix zdvoj-, meaning “to double,” and the suffix -ost, which creates abstract-noun notions. In this sense, zdvoilost can refer to dual structure in discourse, a text that operates on two levels, or to an object composed of two distinct components.

In philosophical and literary contexts, zdvoilost is used to describe phenomena in which surface features conceal deeper motives or in which two concurrent interpretations coexist. It is often contrasted with dvojnost (duality) and zdvojennost or zdvojování (doubling) in Czech discussions of form, structure, and meaning. English-language equivalents include “twofoldness” or “duplication,” but zdvoilost carries a nuance of paired coexistence rather than mere duplication.

Usage and reception: The term appears sporadically in Czech-language scholarly work and is rarely found in general dictionaries or English-language literature. It is more likely to be encountered in specialized discussions of textual analysis, rhetoric, or metaphysics.

See also: dvojnost, dvojitost, duplicity, duality, polysemy.

Notes: The exact connotations of zdvoilost can vary by author, and in translation it is often rendered with more common terms depending on the context (twofoldness, dual nature, or duplex structure).