B1verb2K

Duplicate

UK //ˈdjuːplɪkɛt//US //ˈduːplɪkeɪt//

Definition

To make an exact copy of something.

Examples

Please duplicate this document for the meeting tomorrow.
Artists often duplicate their work for limited prints.
The software allows you to duplicate files easily.
Can you duplicate this key for me?
He tried to duplicate the experiment's results.
They asked me to duplicate the form for new applicants.

Usage notes

Use 'duplicate' in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations when a simpler word like 'copy' would work better.

Grammar pattern

duplicate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'duplicate' as 'two plate' - like having one plate on top of another.

Collocations

duplicate file
duplicate efforts
duplicate information
duplicate record

Synonyms

copy
replicate
reproduce
repeat
iterate

Antonyms

original
unique

Common mistakes

Confused with 'duplicate' as a noun instead of a verb.
Using 'duplicated' incorrectly as an adjective in some contexts.
Misplacing the object, e.g., saying 'duplicate copy' instead of just 'duplicate'.