verb
Uncommon
replicate
REHP-lih-kayt
Replicate (verb) means to make a copy of something, especially so that it matches the original precisely. Example: “Scientists tried to replicate the results of the earlier study.”
verb
1
To make a copy of something, especially so that it matches the original precisely.
"Scientists tried to replicate the results of the earlier study."
"The artist replicated the painting's brushwork stroke for stroke."
2
To repeat an experiment or process and get the same outcome.
"The findings couldn't be replicated when other labs ran the same test."
noun
1
An exact copy or duplicate produced by such a process.
"Each replicate in the trial was tested under identical conditions."
How to use replicate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo copy or repeat something so the result matches exactly.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the verb "replicate" with the noun "replica" — a replica is the copy itself, replicate is the act of making one.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
replicate the results
replicate an experiment
hard to replicate
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Word forms
- Plural
- replicates
- Third person singular
- replicates
- Past tense
- replicated
- Comparative
- more replicate
- Superlative
- most replicate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists tried to _____ the results of the earlier study.
Etymology
From Latin replicare, "to fold back" — from re- ("back") plus plicare ("to fold"), the same root behind "reply" and "replica."
Related words
Rhymes for replicate
See all rhymes for replicate →Frequently asked questions
What does “replicate” mean?
The word “replicate” means to make a copy of something, especially so that it matches the original precisely. In plain terms, to copy or repeat something so the result matches exactly.
How do you pronounce “replicate”?
“Replicate” is pronounced REHP-lih-kayt (/ˈɹɛpləˌkeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “replicate” in a sentence?
Here is “replicate” used in a sentence: “Scientists tried to replicate the results of the earlier study.”
What part of speech is “replicate”?
Depending on how it is used, “replicate” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “replicate” come from?
The word “replicate” comes from Latin. From Latin replicare, "to fold back" — from re- ("back") plus plicare ("to fold"), the same root behind "reply" and "replica.".
Is “replicate” a common word?
“Replicate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “replicate” have?
“Replicate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a copy of something, especially so that it matches the original precisely.
What is the difference between replicate and duplicate?
Replicate often implies making a copy that matches the original with scientific or procedural precision, such as replicating an experiment to confirm its results. Duplicate more generally means making an exact copy of something, and is used more broadly for documents, keys, or objects without the same emphasis on repeating a process.
What is the difference between replicate and reproduce?
Replicate emphasizes precisely matching an original or repeating a process to get the same outcome, which is why scientists talk about replicating an experiment. Reproduce is broader and can mean copying an image or document, or producing offspring, in addition to repeating a result.
Why do scientists talk about replicating a study?
Scientists replicate a study by repeating the experiment or process to see whether it produces the same outcome, which helps confirm that the original result was reliable rather than a fluke. A study that cannot be replicated is generally viewed with more scepticism.
