Duplicate vs. Replication — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 4, 2023
"Duplicate" implies making an exact copy, while "Replication" means creating a close or exact reproduction. Both entail creating copies but may have slightly varied connotations in different contexts.
Difference Between Duplicate and Replication
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Duplicate" and "Replication" both indicate the action of making copies, yet subtle differences in connotation and usage exist. “Duplicate” typically denotes the creation of an exact copy or double of something.
“Replication,” although akin to duplicating in generating a copy, often emphasizes recreating or reproducing something with potential for slight variation or accommodation to meet specific needs or environments.
"Duplicate" may imply a closer adherence to the original, commonly utilized to signify creating identical twins of documents, objects, or data. It leans towards implying a one-to-one, exact copy where the original and the copy are virtually indistinguishable.
Meanwhile, "Replication" might encompass broader scenarios, where the essence, structure, or function is maintained, though exactness might be superseded by adaptation or scaling needs, especially noticeable in scientific or data management contexts.
Discerning the choice between "Duplicate" and "Replication" may depend on the degree of exactness and intent behind the copying process, whether precise copying ("Duplicate") or functional and potentially adaptive copying ("Replication") is the objective.
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Comparison Chart
Implies Exactness
Yes
Not Necessarily
Adaptable Copies
No
Potentially Yes
Common Context
Documents, Data
Science, Data Management
Example Usage
Duplicate key
DNA replication
Variance from Original
None/Minimal
Possible
Compare with Definitions
Duplicate
Function as a double
The stunt actor will duplicate the star’s actions.
Replication
Making a copy of something
The artist admired the replication of the painting.
Duplicate
Identically copied from an original.
Replication
Copying biological/genetic material
DNA replication is vital for cell division.
Duplicate
Existing or growing in two corresponding parts; double.
Replication
Reproduce to study
The replication of the experiment was necessary.
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.
Replication
Create a similar function
Database replication ensures data consistency.
Duplicate
An identical copy; a facsimile.
Replication
The act or process of replicating something.
Duplicate
One that corresponds exactly to another, especially an original.
Replication
(Biology) The process by which genetic material, a single-celled organism, or a virus reproduces or makes a copy of itself.
Duplicate
(Games) A card game in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end.
Replication
In scientific research, the repetition of an experiment to confirm findings or to ensure accuracy.
Duplicate
To make an exact copy of.
Replication
A copy or reproduction
A replication of a famous painting.
Duplicate
To make twofold; double.
Replication
(Law) The plaintiff's response to the defendant's answer or plea; a reply.
Duplicate
To make or perform again; repeat
A hard feat to duplicate.
Replication
The process by which an object, person, place or idea may be copied mimicked or reproduced.
Duplicate
To become duplicate.
Replication
Copy; reproduction.
That painting is an almost exact replication of a famous Rembrandt painting.
Duplicate
Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original.
This is a duplicate entry.
Replication
(legal) A response from the plaintiff to the defendant's plea.
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
Replication
(biology) The process of producing replicas of DNA or RNA molecules.
Duplicate
(transitive) To make a copy of.
If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?
Can you duplicate this kind of key?
Replication
(computing) The process of frequent electronic data copying a one database in one computer or server to a database in another so that all users share the same level of information. Used to improve fault tolerance of the system.
Duplicate
(transitive) To do repeatedly; to do again.
You don't need to duplicate my efforts.
Replication
An answer; a reply.
Withouten any repplicacioun.
Duplicate
(transitive) To produce something equal to.
He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife.
Replication
The reply of the plaintiff, in matters of fact, to the defendant's plea.
Duplicate
One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
This is a duplicate, but a very good replica.
Replication
Return or repercussion, as of sound; echo.
To hear the replication of your sounds.
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
Replication
A repetition; a copy.
Duplicate
A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item.
Replication
The copying, by enzymes, of a cell's genome, i.e. the DNA or RNA comprising its genetic material, so as to form an identical genome. This is an essential step in the division of one cell into two. This differs from transcription, which is the copying of only part of the genetic information of a cell's genome into RNA, as in the processes of biosynthesis of messenger RNA or ribosomal RNA.
Duplicate
(uncountable) The game of duplicate bridge.
Replication
The act of making copies;
Gutenberg's reproduction of holy texts was far more efficient
Duplicate
(uncountable) The game of duplicate Scrabble.
Replication
(genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division
Duplicate
A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species.
Replication
A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);
It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher
Duplicate
Double; twofold.
Replication
(law) a pleading made by a plaintiff in reply to the defendant's plea or answer
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.
Replication
The persistence of a sound after its source has stopped
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.
Replication
Copy that is not the original; something that has been copied
Duplicate
To double; to fold; to render double.
Replication
The repetition of an experiment in order to test the validity of its conclusion;
Scientists will not believe an experimental result until they have seen at least one replication
Duplicate
To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.
Replication
Producing a similar product
The replication of the artifact was exhibited.
Duplicate
To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.
Duplicate
Something additional of the same kind;
He always carried extras in case of an emergency
Duplicate
A copy that corresponds to an original exactly;
He made a duplicate for the files
Duplicate
Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
Duplicate
Duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse
Duplicate
Make a duplicate or duplicates of;
Could you please duplicate this letter for me?
Duplicate
Increase twofold;
The population doubled within 50 years
Duplicate
Identically copied from an original;
A duplicate key
Duplicate
Being two identical
Duplicate
Make an exact copy
I’ll duplicate the document for you.
Duplicate
Double something
He used software to duplicate the data.
Duplicate
Match or twin of something
She found the duplicate of her earring.
Duplicate
Identical copy for use
The duplicate key was used for the safe.
Common Curiosities
Does “Duplicate” imply exactness?
Yes, “Duplicate” often implies creating an exact copy.
Can you “Duplicate” a key?
Yes, making a “Duplicate” key means creating an exact copy of it.
Can “Replication” imply a slight variation from the original?
Yes, “Replication” may involve creating a very close, but not necessarily exact, copy.
Is “Duplicate” commonly used in document-related contexts?
Yes, “Duplicate” is often used when making exact copies, like documents.
Can you have a “Duplicate” of a document?
Absolutely, a “Duplicate” document is an exact copy of the original.
Does “Replication” occur in scientific research?
Yes, “Replication” refers to repeating an experiment or study to verify results.
Does “Duplicate” involve creating an identical twin?
Yes, to “Duplicate” typically means creating an identical twin or copy.
Can “Replication” imply broader copying scenarios?
Indeed, “Replication” might involve various forms and degrees of copying.
Can “Replication” pertain to biological processes?
Absolutely, “Replication” is commonly used in biological contexts, like DNA replication.
Can a “Duplicate” serve as a usable copy?
Yes, a “Duplicate” can serve as an identical, usable copy of the original.
Is “Replication” related to reproduction?
Yes, “Replication” can relate to reproducing objects, data, or biological elements.
Is creating a “Duplicate” always about tangible items?
No, “Duplicate” can refer to copying intangible things like data or digital files.
Is “Replication” used in database management?
Yes, “Replication” is a term used to describe data copying in databases.
Does a “Duplicate” imply a one-to-one copy?
Yes, “Duplicate” commonly indicates a one-to-one, exact copy.
Does “Replication” involve producing similar functionality?
Yes, “Replication” often aims to reproduce similar functionality or appearance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
