diptych

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈdɪp.tɪk/

KK: /ˈdɪp.tɪk/

noun

Definition

A piece of art made of two panels that are connected and often display related images or themes.

Example

The artist created a beautiful diptych that showcased the changing seasons.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a diptych in a gallery?

Yeah, I saw one last week! It was really striking with its two panels.

I love how they can tell a story through just those two pieces.

Exactly! It’s fascinating how much depth a diptych can have.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

panel

tablet

piece

Antonyms

triptych

monolith

single

Root Explanation

Diptych → It is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "ptychē" (from Greek, meaning fold or layer). A diptych originally refers to a two-fold writing tablet or artwork, consisting of two panels that are hinged together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') panels that are 'folded' ('ptychē') together — that's what a diptych is.

Visually Confused Words

ditch