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Double vs. Duplicate — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
Double emphasizes multiplication by two or enhancement, whereas duplicate refers to an exact copy or reproduction of something.
Double vs. Duplicate — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Double and Duplicate

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Key Differences

Double signifies an increase or multiplication by two, highlighting growth or enhancement in quantity or intensity. On the other hand, duplicate implies the creation of an exact copy or replica of something, focusing on the aspect of replication without alteration.
When used as verbs, to double means to increase something twofold, suggesting augmentation or expansion. Conversely, to duplicate means to make an identical copy or reproduction of something, emphasizing precision and similarity.
In mathematics, doubling a number means to multiply it by two, a straightforward operation that enhances the original value. Meanwhile, duplicating something in a more general context means creating a one-to-one match with the original, ensuring every detail is precisely replicated.
The concept of double can also imply a dual role or function, suggesting versatility or multiplicity in use or meaning. In contrast, duplicate focuses on the fidelity of replication, ensuring that the copy is as close to the original as possible, without any addition or variation.
In everyday language, double might refer to a quantity that is twice as large or an action performed twice, whereas duplicate often appears in contexts requiring exactness in copying documents, data, or objects, highlighting the importance of accuracy and consistency.
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Comparison Chart

Meaning

Increase by two or serve two roles
Exact copy or replica

Verb Use

To increase twofold
To make an identical copy

Context

Growth, enhancement, versatility
Replication, precision, similarity

Mathematics

Multiplication by two
Creating an identical set or copy

Implication

Enhancement or multiplicity
Fidelity to the original

Compare with Definitions

Double

To increase or become twice as much in size, amount, or number.
He decided to double the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Duplicate

To reproduce something precisely.
The artist was able to duplicate the painting flawlessly.

Double

Serving two roles or functions.
She found a coat that doubles as a rain jacket.

Duplicate

An exact copy of something.
She made a duplicate of the document for the records.

Double

A quantity or thing that is twice as large or many.
They needed a double amount of paint for the second coat.

Duplicate

To repeat an action or procedure.
The experiment was duplicated to verify the results.

Double

In card games, to increase the stakes.
Feeling lucky, he chose to double down.

Duplicate

Having two identical parts or copies.
The key came with a duplicate for safekeeping.

Double

To bend over or fold.
She had to double the fabric to create the hem.

Duplicate

In computing, to create a copy of data.
He duplicated the files to an external hard drive.

Double

Consisting of two equal, identical, or similar parts or things
Double doors

Duplicate

Identically copied from an original.

Double

Lower in pitch by an octave.

Duplicate

Existing or growing in two corresponding parts; double.

Double

At or to twice the amount or extent
You have to be careful, and this counts double for older people

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.

Double

A thing which is twice as large as usual or is made up of two standard units or things
Join the two sleeping bags together to make a double

Duplicate

An identical copy; a facsimile.

Double

A person who looks exactly like another
You could pass yourself off as his double

Duplicate

One that corresponds exactly to another, especially an original.

Double

(especially in tennis and badminton) a game or competition involving sides made up of two players
The semi-finals of the doubles

Duplicate

(Games) A card game in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end.

Double

A system of change-ringing using five bells, with two pairs changing places each time.

Duplicate

To make an exact copy of.

Double

A pair of victories in the same sport in two different competitions
Manchester United won the double twice

Duplicate

To make twofold; double.

Double

A number or amount which is twice as large as a contrasting or usual number or amount
He paid double and had a room all to himself

Duplicate

To make or perform again; repeat
A hard feat to duplicate.

Double

Become twice as much or as many
Profits doubled in one year

Duplicate

To become duplicate.

Double

Fold or bend (paper, cloth, or other material) over on itself
The muslin is doubled and then laid in a sieve over the bowl

Duplicate

Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original.
This is a duplicate entry.

Double

Be used in or play another, different role
A laser printer doubles as a photocopier

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

Double

Twice as much in size, strength, number, or amount
A double dose.

Duplicate

(transitive) To make a copy of.
If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?
Can you duplicate this kind of key?

Double

Composed of two like parts
Double doors.

Duplicate

(transitive) To do repeatedly; to do again.
You don't need to duplicate my efforts.

Double

Composed of two unlike parts; dual
A double meaning.
A double role for an actor.

Duplicate

(transitive) To produce something equal to.
He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife.

Double

Accommodating or designed for two
A double bed.
A double room.

Duplicate

One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
This is a duplicate, but a very good replica.

Double

Characterized by duplicity; deceitful
Speak with a double tongue.

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

Double

(Botany) Having many more than the usual number of petals, usually in a crowded or an overlapping arrangement
A double chrysanthemum.

Duplicate

A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item.

Double

Something increased twofold.

Duplicate

(uncountable) The game of duplicate bridge.

Double

One that closely resembles another; a duplicate.

Duplicate

(uncountable) The game of duplicate Scrabble.

Double

Something having two identifiable or prominent parts or members.

Duplicate

A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species.

Double

Something capable of carrying, moving, or holding two people or things, as a mattress.

Duplicate

Double; twofold.

Double

An actor's understudy.

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.

Double

An actor who takes the place of another actor in scenes requiring special skills or preparations
A stunt double.
A body double.

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.

Double

An apparition; a wraith.

Duplicate

To double; to fold; to render double.

Double

A sharp turn in a direction of movement; a reversal.

Duplicate

To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.

Double

A sharp, often devious change in position or argument; a shift.

Duplicate

To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.

Double

Doubles(Sports) A form of a game, such as tennis or handball, having two players on each side.

Duplicate

Something additional of the same kind;
He always carried extras in case of an emergency

Double

(Baseball) A hit enabling the batter to reach second base. Also called two-bagger, two-base hit.

Duplicate

A copy that corresponds to an original exactly;
He made a duplicate for the files

Double

A bid in bridge indicating strength to one's partner; a request for a bid.

Duplicate

Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick

Double

A bid doubling one's opponent's bid in bridge, thus increasing the penalty for failure to fulfill the contract.

Duplicate

Duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse

Double

A hand justifying such a bid.

Duplicate

Make a duplicate or duplicates of;
Could you please duplicate this letter for me?

Double

To make twice as great.

Duplicate

Increase twofold;
The population doubled within 50 years

Double

To be twice as much as
Doubled the score of his opponent.

Duplicate

Identically copied from an original;
A duplicate key

Double

To fold in two.

Duplicate

Being two identical

Double

To clench (one's fist).

Double

To duplicate; repeat.

Double

To turn (an enemy spy) into a double agent.

Double

To cause the scoring of (a run) by hitting a double.

Double

To advance or score (a runner) by hitting a double.

Double

To put out (a runner) as the second part of a double play.

Double

(Games) To challenge (an opponent's bid) with a double in bridge.

Double

(Music) To duplicate (another part or voice) an octave higher or lower or in unison.

Double

(Nautical) To sail around
Double a cape.

Double

To be increased twofold
The debt soon doubled.

Double

To turn sharply or all the way around; reverse one's course
Had to double back to touch the missed base.

Double

To serve in an additional capacity
A frying pan that doubles as a pie tin.
A conductor who doubles as a pianist.

Double

To replace an actor in the actor's absence or in a certain scene.

Double

(Baseball) To hit a double.

Double

(Games) To announce a double in bridge.

Double

To twice the amount or extent; doubly
Paid double for the customized car.

Double

Two together; in pairs
Sleeping double.

Double

In two
Bent double.

Double

Made up of two matching or complementary elements.
The closet has double doors.

Double

Of twice the quantity.
Give me a double serving of mashed potatoes.

Double

Of a family relationship, related on both the maternal and paternal sides of a family.
He's my double cousin as my mother's sister married my father's brother.

Double

Designed for two users.
A double room

Double

Folded in two; composed of two layers.

Double

Stooping; bent over.

Double

Having two aspects; ambiguous.
A double meaning

Double

False, deceitful, or hypocritical.
A double life

Double

Of flowers, having more than the normal number of petals.

Double

(music) Of an instrument, sounding an octave lower.
A double bass

Double

(music) Of time, twice as fast.

Double

Twice over; twofold; doubly.

Double

Two together; two at a time. (especially in see double)
There are only a few beds, so some of the children will have to sleep double for the night.

Double

Twice the number, amount, size, etc.

Double

A person who resembles and stands in for another person, often for safety purposes
Saddam Hussein was rumored to have many doubles.

Double

A drink with two portions of alcohol.
On second thought, make that a double.

Double

A ghostly apparition of a living person; a doppelgänger.

Double

A sharp turn, especially a return on one's own tracks.

Double

A redundant item for which an identical item already exists.
I have more than 200 stamps in my collection but they're not all unique: some are doubles.
Before printing the photos, Liam deleted the doubles.

Double

(baseball) A two-base hit.
The catcher hit a double to lead off the ninth.

Double

(bridge) A call that increases certain scoring points if the last preceding bid becomes the contract.

Double

(billiards) A strike in which the object ball is struck so as to make it rebound against the cushion to an opposite pocket.

Double

A bet on two horses in different races in which any winnings from the first race are placed on the horse in the later race.

Double

(darts) The narrow outermost ring on a dartboard.

Double

(darts) A hit on this ring.

Double

(dominoes) A tile that has the same value (i.e., the same number of pips) on both sides.

Double

A double-precision floating-point number.
The sine function returns a double.

Double

(soccer) Two competitions, usually one league and one cup, won by the same team in a single season.

Double

(rowing) A boat for two scullers.

Double

(sports) The feat of scoring twice in one game.

Double

The feat of winning two events in a single meet or competition.
In 1996, Michael Johnson achieved a double by winning both the 200 and 400 meter dashes.

Double

(historical) A former French coin worth one-sixth of a sou.

Double

A copper coin worth one-eighth of a penny.

Double

(music) Playing the same part on two instruments, alternately.

Double

(Christianity) A double feast.

Double

Synonym of double-quick

Double

(transitive) To multiply by two.
The company doubled their earnings per share over last quarter.

Double

(intransitive) To increase by 100%, to become twice as large in size.
Our earnings have doubled in the last year.

Double

To be the double of; to exceed by twofold; to contain or be worth twice as much as.

Double

(transitive) To fold over so as to make two folds.
To make a pleat, double the material at the waist.

Double

(transitive) (sometimes followed by up) To clench (a fist).

Double

(baseball) To get a two-base hit.
The batter doubled into the corner.

Double

(transitive) (often followed by together or up) To join or couple.

Double

(transitive) To repeat exactly; copy.

Double

To serve a second role or have a second purpose.
A spork is a kind of fork that doubles as a spoon.

Double

To act as substitute for (another theatrical performer in a certain role, etc).

Double

(theatre) To play (both one part and another, in the same play, etc).

Double

(intransitive) To turn sharply, following a winding course.

Double

(nautical) To sail around (a headland or other point).

Double

(music) To duplicate (a part) either in unison or at the octave above or below it.

Double

To be capable of performing (upon an additional instrument).

Double

(bridge) To make a call that will double certain scoring points if the preceding bid becomes the contract.

Double

To double down.

Double

To cause (a ball) to rebound from a cushion before entering the pocket.

Double

(intransitive) To go or march at twice the normal speed.

Double

(transitive) To multiply the strength or effect of by two.
Sorry, this store does not double coupons.

Double

(military) To unite, as ranks or files, so as to form one from each two.

Double

To transmit simultaneously on the same channel as another station, either unintentionally or deliberately, causing interference.
Could you please repeat your last transmission? Another station was doubling with you.

Double

To operate as a double agent.

Double

Twofold; multiplied by two; increased by its equivalent; made twice as large or as much, etc.
Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
Darkness and tempest make a double night.

Double

Being in pairs; presenting two of a kind, or two in a set together; coupled.
[Let] The swan, on still St. Mary's lake,Float double, swan and shadow.

Double

Divided into two; acting two parts, one openly and the other secretly; equivocal; deceitful; insincere.
With a double heart do they speak.

Double

Having the petals in a flower considerably increased beyond the natural number, usually as the result of cultivation and the expense of the stamens, or stamens and pistils. The white water lily and some other plants have their blossoms naturally double.

Double

Twice; doubly.
I was double their age.

Double

To increase by adding an equal number, quantity, length, value, or the like; multiply by two; as, to double a sum of money; to double a number, or length.
Double six thousand, and then treble that.

Double

To make of two thicknesses or folds by turning or bending together in the middle; to fold one part upon another part of; as, to double the leaf of a book, and the like; to clinch, as the fist; - often followed by up; as, to double up a sheet of paper or cloth.
Then the old manWas wroth, and doubled up his hands.

Double

To be the double of; to exceed by twofold; to contain or be worth twice as much as.
Thus reënforced, against the adverse fleet,Still doubling ours, brave Rupert leads the way.

Double

To pass around or by; to march or sail round, so as to reverse the direction of motion.
Sailing along the coast, the doubled the promontory of Carthage.

Double

To unite, as ranks or files, so as to form one from each two.

Double

To be increased to twice the sum, number, quantity, length, or value; to increase or grow to twice as much.
'T is observed in particular nations, that within the space of three hundred years, notwithstanding all casualties, the number of men doubles.

Double

To return upon one's track; to turn and go back over the same ground, or in an opposite direction.
Doubling and turning like a hunted hare.
Doubling and doubling with laborious walk.

Double

To play tricks; to use sleights; to play false.
What penalty and danger you accrue,If you be found to double.

Double

To set up a word or words a second time by mistake; to make a doublet.

Double

Twice as much; twice the number, sum, quantity, length, value, and the like.
If the thief be found, let him pay double.

Double

Among compositors, a doublet (see Doublet, 2.); among pressmen, a sheet that is twice pulled, and blurred.

Double

That which is doubled over or together; a doubling; a plait; a fold.
Rolled up in sevenfold doubleOf plagues.

Double

A turn or circuit in running to escape pursues; hence, a trick; a shift; an artifice.
These men are too well acquainted with the chase to be flung off by any false steps or doubles.

Double

A person or thing that is the counterpart of another; a duplicate; copy; (Obs.) transcript; - now chiefly used of persons. Hence, a wraith.
My charming friend . . . has, I am almost sure, a double, who preaches his afternoon sermons for him.

Double

A player or singer who prepares to take the part of another player in his absence; a substitute; - used especially of a person who resembles an actor and takes the actor's place in scenes requiring special skills; as, a stunt double.

Double

Double beer; strong beer.

Double

A feast in which the antiphon is doubled, hat is, said twice, before and after the Psalms, instead of only half being said, as in simple feasts.

Double

A game between two pairs of players; as, a first prize for doubles.

Double

An old term for a variation, as in Bach's Suites.

Double

A base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base;
He hit a double to deep centerfield

Double

A stand-in for movie stars to perform dangerous stunts;
His first job in Hollywood was as a double for Clark Gable

Double

Someone who closely resembles a famous person (especially an actor);
He could be Gingrich's double
She's the very image of her mother

Double

A quantity that is twice as great as another;
36 is the double of 18

Double

Raising the stakes in a card game by a factor of 2;
I decided his double was a bluff

Double

Increase twofold;
The population doubled within 50 years

Double

Hit a two-base hit

Double

Bend over or curl up, usually with laughter or pain;
He doubled and vomited violently

Double

Do double duty; serve two purposes or have two functions;
She doubles as his wife and secretary

Double

Bridge: make a demand for (a card or suit)

Double

Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick

Double

Having more than one decidedly dissimilar aspects or qualities;
A double (or dual) role for an actor
The office of a clergyman is twofold; public preaching and private influence
Every episode has its double and treble meaning

Double

Consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs;
An egg with a double yolk
A double (binary) star
Double doors
Dual controls for pilot and copilot
Duple (or double) time consists of two (or a multiple of two) beats to a measure

Double

Twice as great or many;
Ate a double portion
The dose is doubled
A twofold increase

Double

Used of flowers having more than the usual number of petals in crowded or overlapping arrangements;
Double chrysanthemums have many rows of petals and are usually spherical or hemispherical

Double

Used of homologous chromosomes associated in pairs in synapsis

Double

Large enough for two;
A double bed
A double room

Double

Having two meanings with intent to deceive;
A sly double meaning
Spoke with forked tongue

Double

Downward and forward;
He was bent double with pain

Double

Two together;
Some people sleep better double

Double

To double the degree;
She was doubly rewarded
His eyes were double bright

Common Curiosities

How do "double" and "duplicate" function as adjectives?

As adjectives, "double" describes something of twice the amount or with two parts, while "duplicate" refers to something being an exact copy.

Is duplicating always related to physical objects?

No, duplicating can refer to both physical objects and intangible items like data or digital files.

How does doubling affect the original item?

Doubling affects the original by increasing its size, quantity, or value, not by creating a copy.

Can the term "double" imply duplication?

While "double" focuses on quantity or function, it does not inherently imply creating an exact copy like "duplicate" does.

Can a person be a duplicate of another?

In a metaphorical sense, a person could be considered a duplicate of another if they closely mimic their behavior, appearance, or actions.

Is there a situation where doubling and duplicating mean the same?

In general usage, their meanings remain distinct; however, in specific contexts like digital data, doubling space might involve duplicating content, though this is more the exception.

How do "double" and "duplicate" relate to quality?

"Double" does not inherently address quality, focusing on quantity or multiplicity, whereas "duplicate" emphasizes accuracy and the replication of original quality.

What does it mean to duplicate effort?

To duplicate effort means to unnecessarily repeat work or tasks that have already been done, often without realizing the redundancy.

What is the significance of duplication in digital technology?

Duplication in digital technology is crucial for data backup, ensuring information is preserved and can be restored in case of loss.

What is the main difference between doubling and duplicating a document?

Doubling a document would imply increasing its quantity or content, whereas duplicating it means creating an exact copy.

Can doubling be undone?

Yes, the effects of doubling can be undone by dividing the quantity or value by two, returning to the original state.

Can a double serve as a duplicate?

Conceptually, a double can serve a similar function or purpose but does not become a duplicate unless it is an exact copy.

What role does duplication play in scientific research?

Duplication is essential in scientific research for verifying the reproducibility and reliability of results.

How does doubling differ in financial contexts?

In finance, doubling refers to increasing investment or value twofold, which is a growth strategy rather than creating a copy.

What is the environmental impact of duplicating physical items?

Duplicating physical items can increase resource use and waste, highlighting the need for responsible consumption and replication practices.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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