Duplicate
ˈduːplɪkət
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make or produce an exact copy of something.
ˈduːplɪˌkeɪt
To make an exact copy of something.
She duplicated the key so her friend could enter the house.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a really cool picture, and you want to have another one just like it. To 'duplicate' means to make another picture that's exactly the same!
👶 For kids: To make a copy of something.
More Examples
The printer is able to duplicate the documents quickly.
He attempted to duplicate the results of the experiment.
How It's Used
"I need to duplicate this file onto a flash drive."
"Could you duplicate these documents for the meeting?"
Being exactly the same as something else; a copy.
ˈduːplɪkət
Being an exact copy.
I received a duplicate of the letter in the mail.
💡 Simply: If you have two of the same toy, they are duplicates! It's like having an extra.
👶 For kids: Exactly the same as something else.
More Examples
The office requires duplicate files for backup.
She needed a duplicate key to open the safe.
How It's Used
"Please provide a duplicate copy of the contract."
"We need to keep a duplicate set of keys at the front desk."
An exact copy.
ˈduːplɪkət
An exact copy of something.
Please send a duplicate of the receipt.
💡 Simply: If you get a duplicate of a letter, it's like getting the same letter again!
👶 For kids: A copy of something.
More Examples
Keep a duplicate of the contract for your records.
They requested a duplicate of the photograph.
How It's Used
"I need a duplicate of this invoice."
"Always keep a duplicate of important documents."
Idioms & expressions
duplicate effort
Wasting resources by doing the same work twice.
"We need to avoid duplicate effort by coordinating our tasks."
From Medieval Latin *duplicatus*, past participle of *duplicare* 'to double,' from Latin *duplex* 'double'.
The word 'duplicate' has been used since the 16th century, initially referring to something folded in two, then evolving to mean a copy.
Memory tip
Think of a *dupe* – someone easily tricked. A duplicate is a copy that *dupes* the original.