What does "duplicate" mean?
One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
Duplicate
/ˈd(j)uː.plɪˌkeɪt/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
- Grammar: duplicate is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: actual thing, alike, all one, all the same.
- Useful contrasts: original mix, shared software component, unique fact.
- Usage evidence: May I borrow a duplicate key for Room 360?
How to use "duplicate"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "duplicate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "duplicate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "duplicate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "duplicate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "duplicate" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "actual thing" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "duplicate", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy. countable, uncountable
"This is a duplicate, but a very good replica."
- 2 a copy that corresponds to an original exactly wordnet
- 3 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 countable, uncountable
- 4 something additional of the same kind wordnet
- 5 A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item. countable, uncountable
""Sir, I hope you will excuse what I am going to say; but having observed that you frequently pledge similar goods to these at our shop, which are afterwards taken out by other persons, I take for granted you are in the habit of selling the duplicates;[…]""
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 The game of duplicate bridge. uncountable
"The momentary madness which infects bridge players occurs frequently at rubber bridge and duplicate; and though it rarely results in murder, it often terminates marriages and close friendships[…]"
- 7 The game of duplicate Scrabble. uncountable
- 8 A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species. countable, uncountable
"Each collection, which may be a unicate or several specimens as duplicates in several herbaria, constitutes a record in the Conifer Database."
Verb
- 1 To make a copy of. transitive
"If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?"
- 2 increase twofold wordnet
- 3 To do repeatedly; to do again. transitive
"You don't need to duplicate my efforts."
- 4 make or do or perform again wordnet
- 5 To produce something equal to. transitive
"He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 make a duplicate or duplicates of wordnet
- 7 duplicate or match wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original. not-comparable
"This is a duplicate entry."
- 2 In which the hands of cards, tiles, etc. are preserved between rounds to be played again by other players. not-comparable
"duplicate whist"
Adjective
- 1 being two identical wordnet
- 2 identically copied from an original wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
original mixshared software componentunique factaudio recording
Example
"May I borrow a duplicate key for Room 360?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "duplicate"?
Common synonyms include: actual thing, alike, all one, all the same, ambidextrous, amplified.
How do you use "duplicate" in a sentence?
May I borrow a duplicate key for Room 360?
How do you pronounce "duplicate"?
Pronounced /ˈd(j)uː.plɪˌkeɪt/.
Etymology
PIE word *dwóh₁ Borrowed from Latin duplicātus, perfect passive participle of duplicō, see -ate.