Meaning & Definition of word "Duplicate"

Duplicate

/ˈduːplɪkət/

noun:

  • 1. A copy that corresponds to an original exactly.
    • Example: Please send me a duplicate of the report for my records.
  • 2. A copy or reproduction of something.
    • Example: The librarian found an old duplicate of the book in the archives.

verb:

  • 1. To make an exact copy of something.
    • Example: The technician will duplicate the hard drive for backup purposes.
  • 2. To repeat or reproduce.
    • Example: She tried to duplicate the experiment to confirm the results.

adjective:

  • 1. Being an exact copy of another.
    • Example: He received a duplicate key for his apartment.
  • 2. Having or being two identical parts.
    • Example: The design had a duplicate section that needed to be modified.

Etymology

From Latin 'duplicare', meaning 'to double'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

duplicate efforts:

To do the same work or task that has already been done.

duplicate keys:

Keys that have been copied from an original to allow access to the same locks.

duplicate ticket:

A second version of a ticket that allows entry to an event.

Related Words

copy:

An exact reproduction of something.

replicate:

To make an exact copy of something, especially in science or technology.

reproduce:

To make a copy or representation of something.

Slang Meanings of duplicate

Meaning: A person or thing that is a bad copy of the original.

Example Sentence: That movie was just a duplicate of the first one, not worth watching.

Meaning: An imposter or someone who pretends to be someone else.

Example Sentence: He's such a duplicate of that famous singer, it's kind of funny.