Dyad

/ˈdaɪæd/ noun

Definition

A pair of two people or things, especially when they're closely connected or form a unit together.

Etymology

From Greek 'dyad' or 'dyas,' from 'dyo' (two). In ancient Greek philosophy, a dyad represented the principle of twoness, as opposed to unity. The term was adopted into scientific and social terminology.

Kelly Says

Sociologists love this word because a dyad (like a friendship or marriage) behaves completely differently than three people—add one more person and power dynamics shift entirely. It's why couples' therapy is different from group therapy.

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