Imitation vs. Replication — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 23, 2023

Imitation is the act of mimicking or copying something without necessarily aiming for exactness. Replication is the act of duplicating something as closely as possible to the original.

Difference Between Imitation and Replication

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

Imitation is a term often used to describe the act of copying or mimicking something or someone, often without strict attention to detail. Replication, on the other hand, denotes an attempt to recreate something with the utmost accuracy, often in a scientific or technical context.

Sep 23, 2023

Imitation can involve varying degrees of likeness to the original, often allowing for interpretation or alteration. Replication is generally exact and seeks to minimize deviation from the original. This can be crucial in scientific experiments where small changes can result in entirely different outcomes.

Sep 23, 2023

Grammatically speaking, both "imitation" and "replication" serve as nouns but have different connotations. While "imitation" suggests a form that is similar but not identical, "replication" indicates an exact copy, often validated through rigorous methods.

Sep 23, 2023

In terms of application, imitation is commonly found in artistic contexts, such as music or painting, where the aim is not necessarily to produce an exact copy but to capture the essence of the original. Replication is more likely to be found in scientific research, technology, or manufacturing, where precision is often essential.

Sep 23, 2023

Comparison Chart

Primary Focus

Similarity

Exactness

Sep 23, 2023

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Method

Interpretation

Duplication

Sep 23, 2023

Grammatical Role

Used mainly as a noun

Used mainly as a noun

Sep 23, 2023

Common Contexts

Arts, casual use

Science, technology

Sep 23, 2023

Degree of Accuracy

Varies

High

Sep 23, 2023

Compare with Definitions

Imitation

A replica not intended for exact likeness.

The imitation diamond looked almost real.

Sep 19, 2023

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Replication

The process of duplicating in detail.

DNA replication is crucial in cell division.

Sep 19, 2023

Imitation

Mimicking with a specific intention or style.

His imitation of the actor's voice was spot-on.

Sep 19, 2023

Replication

Recreation with strict adherence to originality.

The replication of the experiment yielded the same results.

Sep 19, 2023

Imitation

A form of flattery through emulation.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Sep 19, 2023

Replication

A duplicate produced by scientific or technical methods.

The replication of the data confirmed the findings.

Sep 19, 2023

Imitation

A recreation with noticeable differences.

The artist's imitation of the famous painting was interesting.

Sep 19, 2023

Replication

An exact copy of something.

The replication of the document was flawless.

Sep 19, 2023

Imitation

An act of copying something or someone.

The child's imitation of her mother was adorable.

Sep 19, 2023

Replication

The act of making a replica with high fidelity.

The replication of the statue was indistinguishable from the original.

Sep 19, 2023

Imitation

The act or an instance of imitating

Gave us his imitation of a famous actor.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

The act or process of replicating something.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

Something derived or copied from an original, often in an inferior way

An undrinkable imitation of real lemonade.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

(Biology) The process by which genetic material, a single-celled organism, or a virus reproduces or makes a copy of itself.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

Repetition of a phrase or melody often with variations in key, rhythm, and voice.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

In scientific research, the repetition of an experiment to confirm findings or to ensure accuracy.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

Repetition of a theme in another voice such that each part continues polyphonously.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

A copy or reproduction

A replication of a famous painting.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

Made to resemble another, usually superior material

Imitation fur.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

(Law) The plaintiff's response to the defendant's answer or plea; a reply.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

The act of imitating.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

The process by which an object, person, place or idea may be copied mimicked or reproduced.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

A copy or simulation; something that is not the real thing.

Imitation leather

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

Copy; reproduction.

That painting is an almost exact replication of a famous Rembrandt painting.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

The act of imitating.

Poesy is an art of imitation, . . . that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

(legal) A response from the plaintiff to the defendant's plea.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

That which is made or produced as a copy; that which is made to resemble something else, whether for laudable or for fraudulent purposes; likeness; resemblance.

Both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

(biology) The process of producing replicas of DNA or RNA molecules.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

One of the principal means of securing unity and consistency in polyphonic composition; the repetition of essentially the same melodic theme, phrase, or motive, on different degrees of pitch, by one or more of the other parts of voises. Cf. Canon.

Sep 17, 2023

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.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

The doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

An answer; a reply.

Withouten any repplicacioun.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

A copy that is represented as the original

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

The reply of the plaintiff, in matters of fact, to the defendant's plea.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

Copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

Return or repercussion, as of sound; echo.

To hear the replication of your sounds.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

A representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

A repetition; a copy.

Sep 17, 2023

Imitation

Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;

It isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur

Faux pearls

False teeth

Decorated with imitation palm leaves

A purse of simulated alligator hide

Sep 17, 2023

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.

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

The act of making copies;

Gutenberg's reproduction of holy texts was far more efficient

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

(genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one);

It brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

(law) a pleading made by a plaintiff in reply to the defendant's plea or answer

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

The persistence of a sound after its source has stopped

Sep 17, 2023

Replication

Copy that is not the original; something that has been copied

Sep 17, 2023

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

Sep 17, 2023

Common Curiosities

What does Replication mean?

Replication refers to duplicating something as closely as possible to the original.

Sep 23, 2023

Is Imitation always inferior?

Not necessarily; imitation can capture the essence without being an exact copy.

Sep 23, 2023

What does Imitation mean?

Imitation refers to copying or mimicking something, often without aiming for exactness.

Sep 23, 2023

How is Imitation used in art?

In art, imitation can be a form of tribute or interpretation.

Sep 23, 2023

Can Imitation be a form of learning?

Yes, imitation is a basic form of learning, especially in early development.

Sep 23, 2023

Can Replication be automated?

In many contexts, such as data storage, replication can be automated.

Sep 23, 2023

How is Replication used in science?

In science, replication validates experimental results by duplicating them precisely.

Sep 23, 2023

Is Replication always scientific?

While often used in scientific contexts, replication can apply to any exact duplication.

Sep 23, 2023

Is Replication important in research?

Yes, replication adds validity to research findings.

Sep 23, 2023

Are Imitation and Replication mutually exclusive?

No, an imitation can be a form of replication if it aims for exactness, but they generally differ in intent and outcome.

Sep 23, 2023

Can Imitation have legal implications?

Imitation can have legal ramifications if it infringes on copyrights or patents.

Sep 23, 2023

What are synonyms for Replication?

Duplication, reduplication, and reproduction are some synonyms for replication.

Sep 23, 2023

What are synonyms for Imitation?

Mimicry, emulation, and impersonation are some synonyms for imitation.

Sep 23, 2023

Is Replication crucial in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, replication ensures consistency and quality control.

Sep 23, 2023

Can Imitation be a form of flattery?

The phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" suggests it can be.

Sep 23, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba 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.