Is it okay to use either replicate or duplicate? Actually, these words aren’t interchangeable; there are subtle differences. The term replicate usually means a reproduction of an original item, and duplicate means exact or identical copies.
Related:
- Snuck or Sneaked: Which One Is Correct?
- Kindergarden or Kindergarten: Which One Should You Use?
- Highschool or High School: Which One Is Correct?
What Does Duplicate Mean?
The term duplicate can be a noun, verb, or adjective. As a noun, it means an exact copy of something. As a verb, it means to make an exact copy; the adjective form describes something as being exactly alike.
This word came about in late Middle English. It comes from the Latin word duplicare, which means “doubled.”
Examples:
- Computer software now makes it easy to duplicate photos with accuracy.
- Our boss posted duplicate copies of the memo in the break room to ensure more people would see it.
- Even the best counterfeiter cannot produce an exact duplicate of a real bill; experts can still tell them apart.
- I’ll print a duplicate of my letter in case the first one gets lost.
- Do you have the duplicate key?
- I’m decluttering my folders by deleting duplicate files.
- Can you duplicate the stamp?
Synonyms of Duplicate
There are several synonyms you can use instead of duplicate. Following are five, with their parts of speech.
- Clone (N, V)
- Look-alike (N, ADJ)
- Mirror image (N)
- Identical (ADJ)
- Double (N, V, ADJ)
When and How to Use Duplicate?
Using the word ‘duplicate’ means you are talking about an exact copy of something else. A great example is when you use a photocopier to duplicate a document. Another is going through the image gallery on a phone or computer and making copies of pictures.
Remember that the word can be a noun, verb, or adjective. Take the photo example. The copy you make is a duplicate, and the act of copying it is duplicating. The copy made is a duplicate image.
Duplicate can have a negative connotation when used in the context of deception or fraud. However, the word has no inherent negative connotation.
Note that there are different pronunciations. As a noun and adjective, it’s “du-pli-cit.” The verb has a long a sound instead.
What Does Replicate Mean?
The word replicate is also a noun, verb, and adjective, and it involves reproducing something but not making an exact copy. The noun is something reproduced, and the verb is the act of reproducing something. The verb describes something as having been reproduced.
Replicate also goes back to late Middle English and hails from Latin. In this case, the root is replicare, which combines the meanings of “back, again” with “to fold.”
Examples:
- My attempt to replicate the Mona Lisa was disastrous.
- The phony-looking replicated painting fooled no one.
- The scientists replicated the experiment.
- Before reaching a conclusion, let’s try to replicate the results of the experiment.
- It would be a good idea to replicate the doll carriages.
Synonyms of Replicate
First, note that although duplicate may appear on lists, it is not a true synonym of replicate. Here are three synonyms that do work:
- Match (N, V)
- Represent (V)
- Reproduction (N)
When and How to Use Replicate?
Let’s say you go to a crafts store and buy a model of a famous airplane. When you finish, you will have something that is a close imitation of an existing thing. That model plane is a replicate or a replica.
Replicate has the same pronunciation quirks that duplicate does.
What’s the Difference?
Many people think replicate and duplicate are interchangeable, but they aren’t. Duplicate involves making an exact copy of something. On the other hand, Replicate involves creating something that resembles another, maybe very closely, but is not exactly the same.
Trick to Remembering Which Word to Use
Replicate and duplicate are confusing words. Fortunately, an excellent way to remember them is to associate each with one of its synonyms. Duplicate and double both start with a D; replicate and reproduction both start with an R.
Final Thoughts
Knowing whether to use replicate or duplicate can be challenging. The latter involves an exact copy, and the former involves a reproduction that isn’t an exact match. Hopefully, this article and the tips at the end will help you remember the correct usage of each word.
