Duplicate vs. Replicate: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on September 30, 2023
"Duplicate" means to make an exact copy, while "replicate" means to reproduce or repeat something.
Difference Between Duplicate and Replicate
"Duplicate" and "replicate" are two verbs that both deal with the concept of copying or making something again. However, they have nuanced differences in their connotations and usage. When you "duplicate" something, you are creating an exact copy of it. For example, making a direct photocopy of a document is duplicating it. The outcome is something that should be indistinguishable from the original.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
"Replicate," on the other hand, suggests reproducing something, but not necessarily creating an exact copy. While replication often aims for accuracy, it acknowledges the potential for minor variations. In scientific experiments, when one tries to replicate results, they're aiming to achieve the same outcomes, even if the process isn't identical in every minute detail.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Furthermore, "duplicate" tends to focus more on the end product — the copy itself. If you have a duplicate key, you have a key that matches the original exactly. Conversely, "replicate" often emphasizes the process or action of reproducing. In biology, for instance, DNA replicates when it makes a copy of itself.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
In technology, both terms find usage but with specific distinctions. One might duplicate a file on a computer, creating an exact copy, while replicating a database might involve setting up a similar database elsewhere, aiming to have it function the same, but understanding that there might be slight differences due to the environment or system differences.
William
Sep 30, 2023
Overall, while both "duplicate" and "replicate" revolve around the idea of copying, "duplicate" leans towards exactness and the copy itself, whereas "replicate" leans more towards the act of reproducing with allowance for potential variations.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
Duplicate vs. Replicate Comparison Chart
Use in Science
Two identical sets of data
Conduct a study again to verify findings
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Use in Computers
Copy of a file in the same or another system
Copying data across networks or platforms
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
Duplicate vs. Replicate Definitions
◉Duplicate
Exactly like something else.
The designs were nearly duplicate of each other.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Replicate
To reproduce or make a copy of.
Scientists aim to replicate the experiment's results.
William
Sep 14, 2023
◉Replicate
To repeat a procedure or action.
We hope to replicate our past performance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
◉Replicate
A repetition or replica of a structure or sequence.
The DNA had an exact replicate in the sample.
Levi
Sep 14, 2023
◉Duplicate
Denoting a manner of play in cards in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end
duplicate bridge.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
To duplicate, copy, reproduce, or repeat
"recreating his pose for a photo that replicated his glorious moment" (Stuart Miller).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
(Biology) To reproduce or make an exact copy or copies of (genetic material, a cell, or an organism).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
One that corresponds exactly to another, especially an original.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
To repeat (a scientific experiment) to confirm findings or ensure accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
(Games) A card game in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
To become replicated; undergo replication
cells that replicate rapidly in culture.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
To make a copy (replica) of.
On entering a host cell, a virus will start to replicate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original.
This is a duplicate entry.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
(science) To repeat (an experiment or trial) with a consistent result.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
(games) In which the hands of cards, tiles, etc. are preserved between rounds to be played again by other players.
duplicate whist
duplicate Scrabble
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
(transitive) To make a copy of.
If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?
Can you duplicate this kind of key?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
The outcome of a replication procedure; an exact copy or replica.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
(transitive) To do repeatedly; to do again.
You don't need to duplicate my efforts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
(music) A tone that is one or more octaves away from a given tone.
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May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
(transitive) To produce something equal to.
He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife.
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May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
Folded over or backward; folded back upon itself.
a replicate leaf or petal
the replicate margin of a shell
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May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
This is a duplicate, but a very good replica.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
(legal) An original instrument repeated; a document which is the same as another in all essential particulars, and differing from a mere copy in having all the validity of an original
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
Folded over or backward; folded back upon itself; as, a replicate leaf or petal; a replicate margin of a shell.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
replicate the cell
copy the genetic information
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Replicate
To duplicate in structure or function.
The machine replicates human movement precisely.
Jonathan
Sep 14, 2023
◉Duplicate
That which exactly resembles or corresponds to something else; another, correspondent to the first; hence, a copy; a transcript; a counterpart.
I send a duplicate both of it and my last dispatch.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
An original instrument repeated; a document which is the same as another in all essential particulars, and differing from a mere copy in having all the validity of an original.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
something additional of the same kind;
he always carried extras in case of an emergency
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
a copy that corresponds to an original exactly;
he made a duplicate for the files
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
make a duplicate or duplicates of;
Could you please duplicate this letter for me?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Duplicate
A precise copy or reproduction.
I found a duplicate of my favorite photo in the attic.
Lucas
Sep 14, 2023
◉Duplicate
A secondary copy for reference or safekeeping.
Always keep a duplicate of important documents.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Duplicate
To double or match something in number or value.
She tried to duplicate his success in business.
Nolan
Sep 14, 2023
Duplicate vs. Replicate Frequently Asked Questions
What does duplicate mean in general terms?
Duplicate refers to an exact copy or facsimile of something.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
How does replicate differ from duplicate?
Replicate emphasizes the process or action of copying, while duplicate focuses on the actual product or exact copy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
How is replicate used in scientific research?
Researchers replicate a study by conducting it again to verify its results, possibly under varied conditions.
Olivia
Sep 30, 2023
Is a duplicated file the same as the original?
Yes, a duplicated file is meant to be an exact copy of the original.
William
Sep 30, 2023
When would you use duplicate in a sentence?
You'd use "duplicate" when referring to an exact copy, like having a duplicate key for your home.
Levi
Sep 30, 2023
Can something be both duplicated and replicated?
Yes, an item can be duplicated (made into an exact copy) and then that process can be replicated (repeated multiple times).
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
Can replicate refer to reproducing non-tangible things?
Yes, one can replicate methods, processes, or even experiences.
Levi
Sep 30, 2023
In scientific terms, how is duplicate used?
In science, duplicate often means having two identical sets of data or results for confirmation purposes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 30, 2023
Are duplicate and replicate always interchangeable?
No, while both relate to copying, their nuances differ based on context and emphasis on product or process.
Kaitlyn
Sep 30, 2023
How does replication work in computer terminology?
Replicating in computers might refer to copying data across networks or platforms, stressing the repeated action.
Nolan
Sep 30, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
