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DUPLICATE

d-u-p-l-i-c-a-t-e

Noun / Verb / Adjective
Advanced Level
9 Letters

Quick Definition

DUPLICATE means to make an exact copy of something, or refers to something that is exactly like something else in appearance, pattern, or content.

Scrabble Points

14

Points in Scrabble

Base tile values • No multipliers applied

Definition & Meaning

DUPLICATE functions as multiple parts of speech:As a verb: To make an exact copy or double of something; to reproduce or replicate. "Please duplicate these documents for the meeting."As a noun: An exact copy or reproduction; a second version that is identical to the first. "Keep the original and file the duplicate."As an adjective: Exactly like something else; identical in appearance or function. "We received duplicate orders from the same customer."Common contexts:

  • Document duplication: Making copies of papers, files, or records
  • Key duplication: Creating spare keys from an original
  • Data duplication: Copying digital information for backup
  • Duplicate detection: Finding and removing repeated entries
  • Etymology & Origin

    The word duplicate comes from Latin duplicatus, past participle of duplicare meaning "to double." This derives from duplex (twofold), combining duo (two) + plicare (to fold). The word entered Middle English in the 15th century through Medieval Latin and Anglo-French. Originally it meant "to make double" or "to fold in two." The modern sense of "making an exact copy" developed in the 16th century. Related words from the same root include duplex (twofold dwelling), duplicity (double-dealing), and multiplication (many-folding).

    Did You Know?

    Carbon paper was the original "duplicate" technology, allowing simultaneous copies while typing

    In bridge (the card game), "duplicate bridge" ensures all players play the same hands for fair competition

    DNA replication is nature's duplication process, copying genetic information with 99.999% accuracy

    The phrase "duplicate key" dates from the 1800s when locksmiths began making spare keys

    Usage Examples

    "Please duplicate these forms and distribute them to all departments."

    "The software automatically removes duplicate entries from the database."

    "She kept the duplicate key in a secure location for emergencies."

    Letter Analysis

    Letter Distribution

    D (2 pts)
    1x
    U (1 pts)
    1x
    P (3 pts)
    1x
    L (1 pts)
    1x
    I (1 pts)
    1x
    C (3 pts)
    1x
    A (1 pts)
    1x
    T (1 pts)
    1x
    E (1 pts)
    1x

    Total base points: 14 (Scrabble)

    Vowels: 4 | Consonants: 5

    Synonyms & Antonyms

    Synonyms

    Words with similar meaning

    Copy

    Reproduction of original

    Replicate

    Make exact copy

    Clone

    Identical copy

    Mirror

    Exact reflection

    Antonyms

    Words with opposite meaning

    Original

    First or authentic version

    Unique

    One of a kind

    Singular

    Single, not doubled

    Prototype

    First model

    Word Forms & Variations

    Past Tense

    duplicated

    They duplicated the experiment results.

    Present Participle

    duplicating

    She is duplicating the files now.

    Related Terms

    duplication
    duplicator
    duplicative
    reduplication
    nonduplicate

    Common Phrases & Collocations

    Business Context

    • duplicate invoice

      Copy of billing document

    • duplicate order

      Repeated purchase request

    • duplicate payment

      Accidental double payment

    Technical Context

    • "duplicate data" removal
    • "duplicate file" finder
    • "duplicate content" penalty
    • "duplicate key" error
    • "duplicate record" detection

    Word Game Strategy

    Playing DUPLICATE

    • 1.-ATE ending: Common suffix for extending plays
    • 2.DUPLI- prefix: Can build from existing DUP or DUPL
    • 3.High-value letters: C and P worth 3 points each
    • 4.Hook potential: Can add D for DUPLICATED
    • 5.9 letters: Perfect for bingo with 2 blanks

    Alternative Plays

    If you can't play DUPLICATE, consider these subwords:

    DUAL
    5 pts
    TULIP
    7 pts
    PLATED
    9 pts
    CUPID
    10 pts
    DILUTE
    7 pts

    Professional & Technical Usage

    In Software Development

    Duplicate code (or "code duplication") is considered a code smell in programming. The DRY principle (Don't Repeat Yourself) encourages developers to avoid duplication. Database systems use duplicate key constraints to maintain data integrity.

    In Legal Documents

    Legal professionals often work with duplicate originals - multiple copies of a document, each signed and treated as an original. This practice ensures all parties have authoritative versions of contracts and agreements.

    In Scientific Research

    Duplicate experiments (replication) are essential for validating scientific findings. Researchers must duplicate results independently to confirm discoveries. Gene duplication is also a key mechanism in evolution.

    Common Mistakes & Confusions

    Spelling Errors

    • dublicate→ duplicate
    • duplecate→ duplicate
    • duplicat→ duplicate

    Usage Confusions

    Duplicate vs. Replicate

    Duplicate is exact copy; replicate can mean reproduce process

    Duplicate vs. Imitate

    Duplicate is identical; imitate is similar but not exact

    Duplicate vs. Forge

    Duplicate is legitimate copying; forge implies deception

    Related Words to Explore

    REPLICATE

    Copy or reproduce

    TRIPLICATE

    Three copies

    PIXELATE

    Display in pixels

    COMPLICATE

    Make complex

    IMPLICATE

    Show involvement

    FABRICATE

    Construct or invent

    Similar High-Scoring -ATE Words

    Other valuable words ending in -ATE in Scrabble

    PIXELATE
    17 pts
    TRIPLICATE
    14 pts
    DUPLICATE
    14 pts
    REPLICATE
    13 pts

    Master This Word

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